Free wireless user group under fire from ICASA

Needn't hook it up, just use people's paranoia and make their own mentality to be their punishment.

Sounds like a granny panty in a twist issue here though. Only time cures that one.
 
JAWUG actually applied to become a WISP so that they can avoid this kind of problem. I think that its the way to go.
 
Nerfherder said:
JAWUG actually applied to become a WISP so that they can avoid this kind of problem. I think that its the way to go.
Click to expand...

If they become a WISP, then members can start demanding service and beter reception, more highsites?

Anycase, this investigation has nothing to do if the PTAWUG is legal, it has to do if any laws e.g. Power and Spectrum, has been breached causing interference with someone's SABC/DSTV/Home Network
 
marius402 said:
If they become a WISP, then members can start demanding service and beter reception, more highsites?

Anycase, this investigation has nothing to do if the PTAWUG is legal, it has to do if any laws e.g. Power and Spectrum, has been breached causing interference with someone's SABC/DSTV/Home Network
Click to expand...
No thats not the case at all. They still are not a company and they don't provide a service, they are a social club and offer a connection to a wireless network.

Being a WISP just means that you can provide... not that you have to. I think we all know that.
 
Nerfherder said:
No thats not the case at all. They still are not a company and they don't provide a service, they are a social club and offer a connection to a wireless network.

Being a WISP just means that you can provide... not that you have to. I think we all know that.
Click to expand...

But when a user can't connect, or suddenly gets disconnected after they paid money, you will have a hard time convincing them they donated/paid the money for no service. If it is a WISP, it can not be a "Free" network, and hence highsites might become paysites, opening up a complete new can of worms. But this is not the right forum to discuss now...
 
I think the legal matter is rather clear: Section 6 of the ECA deals with exempted networks. It clearly states:

(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Authority may prescribe the—
(a) type of electronic communications services that may be provided;
(b) type of electronic communications networks that may be operated;
(c) type of electronic communications network services that may be provided;
and
(d) radio frequency spectrum that may be used,
without a licence.
(2) The electronic communications services, electronic communications networks,
electronic communications network services and radio frequency spectrum contemplated
in subsection (1) may include, but are not limited to—
(a) electronic communications services provided on a not-for-profit basis;

Notice 31289 of 2008 states that:

"A person who provides ECS on a non-profit basis is licence exempt"

Pretty straight forward in my opinion, unless I'm missing something
 
At least 1 person at ICASA is doing their job effectively!

Quickly, move him to LLU or spectrum allocation sector so we can get more progress there?
 
ICASA.... Who are they...anyone know?

Oh, are they not those people supposed to regulate communications in South Africa? Oh, silly me, more like everyone out there already screwing the public regulating ICASA
 
The sceptic in me, thinks that maybe, just maybe, it was not really an old "tannie" behind this "complaint", but a WISP/WAPA member who wanted to see if they can put some pressure on these "illegal" wireless operators ...
 
All current and future WUG users are potential new heavy broadband users.

I wonder if Telkom isn't behind this, we all know they own ICASA.
 
I just want to officially clarify the current position of JAWUG:

We are in the process of becoming a recognised NPO and obtaining licensing from ICASA. As Dominic indicated there are still grey areas in ICASA's interpretations of the various acts and we are working to cover our bases as best we can.

In terms of the definitions in the act the WUGs would be operating under both the ECS and ECNS licensing regimes. Certain exemptions exist for operating such entities on a non-profit basis. The exemptions are not however implicit and still require an application process to ICASA and they then issue an exemption document in this regard. The third licensing regime is the frequency license and my understanding is that the ISM bands are implicitly exempt.

It is important to note the relevant licensing is required for legitimate operation of any communication network. Licensing does not equate to the organisation becoming a commercial operator (WISP). The terms of the license would preclude its use for commercial services. Additionally commercial operations would have many overheads including ICASA 'taxes' that would make the community networks infeasible.

--
ambo
Regulatory Portfolio
JAWUG ManCom
 
Plaasjapie said:
The sceptic in me, thinks that maybe, just maybe, it was not really an old "tannie" behind this "complaint", but a WISP/WAPA member who wanted to see if they can put some pressure on these "illegal" wireless operators ...
Click to expand...

"illegal" nope and yes it was a old tannie. I was there the day the tower went up and also personally know the CW HS owner, its just an old tannie who does not get along with her neighbor. A previous attempt of her also tried to get the wifes primary school closed, allthough the wife had all the papers required to run a primary school. Just a bitter old fartface tannie with nothing but time on her hand. :p
 
Congrats Danie Harmse, fantastiese werk! Hou PTAWug se naam hoog!
As ICASA sê alles is in die haak, dan is ALLES IN DIE HAAK!!!
 
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