Wireless Open Access Network (OAN)
The Wireless OAN will be a public-private sector-owned and managed consortium, and
will consist of entities that are interested in participating. Participants may include
current holders of electronic communications service (ECS) and electronic
communications network service (ECNS) licenses, infrastructure companies, private
equity investors, SMMEs, Internet Service Providers, Over The Top players and Mobile
Virtual Network Operators. The participation of existing ECNS licensees will speed up
the ability of the Wireless OAN to meet its coverage objective. The objectives of open
access networks includes creating a clear access regime that is enforceable. This will
ensure that operators with significant market power do not leverage access to their
infrastructure and critical resources to maintain dominance and deny market access to
competition.
This new regime necessitates a revised licensing framework to accommodate more
players and open up the market for more competition. The new policy environment of
open and shared networks will enable competition to be focused at the service level,
enabling multiple service providers to provide high quality and innovative products and
services to South Africans at affordable rates.
This policy approach will also promote the extension and deployment of networks in
rural and underserviced areas to support inclusive economic growth. This will in turn
facilitate universal service and access and meet the SA Connect targets of broadband
access to all.
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