Illegal wireless networks spread across SA

Rudolph Muller

Rudolph Muller is the editor at MyBroadband and covers telecoms and broadband news. Rudolph comes from an academic background, but left the University of...

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The Wireless Access Providers’ Association (WAPA) today said that there is strong growth of wireless networks across the country, but as many as 500 of them are unlicensed.  WAPA says that it is in everyone’s interest that these networks get licensed. 

“WAPA understands that many of the wireless service providers are small and it could be argued that getting licenced is a costly operation for a small business, but the new licensing framework is very clear about the need for an ECNS license to operate network infrastructure,” WAPA said in a press statement.

“ WAPA believes that it is in the industry interest that all service providers are properly licensed, and can assist with this process by applying to ICASA on their behalf for the required licensing needed to provide wireless access services.”

WAPA urged the unlicensed wireless operators to act quickly, as the current fees are set to increase.  “WAPA’s current fee of R2 500 (excluding VAT) for a class ECS and ECNS application for new members is set to increase to R3 500 (excluding VAT) as of 1 March 2010. The increase is attributed to delays in the awarding of licenses by ICASA, resulting in a substantial increase in the administration process.”

WAPA currently has 69 members, of which 5 are NPO’s. 2009 saw a 75% growth in membership, with 29 new members signing up, some of whom were already licenced. WAPA has so far assisted with 22 licence applications, with 8 submissions completed, 11 still in process, and 3 on hold.

Illegal wireless networks in SA – comments and views

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