New licences for telecoms sector

Two qns:

A. Does telkom need re-licensing

and B. Does ICASA have to grant them one?
 
dominic said:
A: yes, without any monopoly or exclusionary rights

B: more than one........
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Thanks :)

So ICASA is required by law to issue telkom with licenses?
 
i hear where you're coming from but the answer remains yes...

• Telkom currently holds a PSTN (Public Switched Telecommunications Network) licence which, as seen above, covers both its ownership of its network and the services which it provides over it. The PSTN licence will be accordingly need to be converted into two separate licences – an electronic communications network licence and an electronic communications service licence.
• Telkom also holds a Value Added Network Services (VANS) licence through its TelkomInternet subsidiary. As this is a service licence it will need to be converted into an electronic communications service licence.
• Given the national nature of the Telkom network and services and their undoubted socio-economic importance the licences to be awarded under the ECA will be individual licences.
 
Thanks again - I was just curious to know if ICASA could use the licensing as leverage. Guess not. :o
 
As far as I understood the previous system, Wireless ISP's had to have a VANS licence.

Which licence is required now for Wireless ISP providers???
I promise I'll read the entire document this weekend :D
 
Paradigm said:
As far as I understood the previous system, Wireless ISP's had to have a VANS licence.

Which licence is required now for Wireless ISP providers???
I promise I'll read the entire document this weekend :D
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well the majority opinion is that, in addition to a VANS licence the WISP shold also have a frequency licence...

your question is an extremely difficult one and reall depends on whether itis accepted that VANS had the right to self-provide uer the telecommunications act - if so then they will have their licence converted into an electronic communcations network service licence and an electronic communications service licence (i.e. 2 for the price of 1)

if not then probably just the electronic communications service licence

//this is speculation at this stage
// for more info on the licence categories see http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=52395
 
Individual licences need Icasa’s approval before a service provider can commence operations, while class licences do not require regulatory approval, but service providers must notify Icasa before they launch.
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This sounds great at first glance, but I'm a little sceptical in that ICASA's staffing woes (or whatever current excuse you want to substitute with) will result in Telkom merely having a large chunk of it's existing license 'converted' with clever loopholes to protect it's monopoly status if not it's monopoly practices of the past. Don't want regulatory approval? Just say it's a Class License :p

The licences could also include obligations to charge cost based prices.
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It could but doesn't necessarily mean it will

Existing licences will remain valid until they are converted. Icasa expects conversions to be complete by end-June next year.
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Then what's the real point of the 30 day period in which to apply for their license convertion? Telkom will have almost another year to overcharge us :(

“All licence holders must respond to us to confirm their lines of activity,” said Icasa spokesman Jubie Matlou. The details Icasa needs include the identity of the licence holder, its contact details, its directors, which licences it currently holds, and some technical information. Licence holders must submit that information by 4pm on October 13.
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Is it just wishful thinking on my part that ICASA demand and that Telkom finally has to provide the technical details regarding ADSL provision which has been stalled? Surely the COA/CAM can be included in this, otherwise their application for a converted licence can be declined? Come on ICASA, here's your chance to show some backbone!

So basically, this article is telliing us that now is an opportunity for ICASA to right some wrongs which is causing problems for the telecoms industry - including price - and if nothing changes as a result of this Licence Convertion process then the blame falls 100% on ICASA's doorstep.
 
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and if nothing changes as a result of this Licence Convertion process then the blame falls 100% on ICASA's doorstep.[/QUOTE said:
I must say that I disagree with you on this point - the problem actually lies at our doorstep for letting the government control the telecoms sector, and then putting in their regulator (ICASA). I agree with regulation, but it must be controlled by the people and must answer to the people - not to a corrupt government.
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buster said:
I must say that I disagree with you on this point - the problem actually lies at our doorstep for letting the government control the telecoms sector, and then putting in their regulator (ICASA). I agree with regulation, but it must be controlled by the people and must answer to the people - not to a corrupt government.
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You're absolutely right in that ICASA / the DOC / Government as a whole should be accountable to the citizens of this country. Democracy is supposed to be Of the People, For the People and By the People. However, my statement regarding the placement of blame 100% at ICASA's doorstep was in reference to the article ... read it again ;)
 
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