bekdik
Honorary Master
http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/telecoms/2005/0512021040.asp?A=CEL&S=Cellular&O=E&CiRestriction=
Interception directives raise concern
BY DAMARIA SENNE, ITWEB SENIOR JOURNALIST
[Johannesburg, 2 December 2005] - The Department of Communications has conceded that the interception directives issued by the minister have raised concerns among industry players.
Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri issued the directives this week as required in terms of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act of 2002. The Act was put into operation by a proclamation by President Thabo Mbeki on 30 September.
The directives serve as guidelines to the stakeholders as to how the Act should be implemented. The minister's 88-page document deals with matters such as how and when monitoring of electronic communications should take place.
According to Albi Modise, the department's acting chief director, some telecoms operators have expressed reservations regarding the directives. Among the problems raised is the question of how roaming calls should be monitored or intercepted.
As a result, stakeholders are invited to request clarification, or provide input towards implementation of the issued directives.
He says the plan is to give stakeholders a chance to submit input so government can amend the directives to meet current needs.
“The minister had to issue the directives now as required by the Act,” Modise says. “If she didn't, the Act would have been null and void.”
Modise says it would be unfair to close the door on industry after the directives where issued, especially as there are instances where operators feel the law does not adequately cover current technological developments.
The directives were published in Government Gazette number 28271 and are also available on the department's Web site.
Interception directives raise concern
BY DAMARIA SENNE, ITWEB SENIOR JOURNALIST
[Johannesburg, 2 December 2005] - The Department of Communications has conceded that the interception directives issued by the minister have raised concerns among industry players.
Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri issued the directives this week as required in terms of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act of 2002. The Act was put into operation by a proclamation by President Thabo Mbeki on 30 September.
The directives serve as guidelines to the stakeholders as to how the Act should be implemented. The minister's 88-page document deals with matters such as how and when monitoring of electronic communications should take place.
According to Albi Modise, the department's acting chief director, some telecoms operators have expressed reservations regarding the directives. Among the problems raised is the question of how roaming calls should be monitored or intercepted.
As a result, stakeholders are invited to request clarification, or provide input towards implementation of the issued directives.
He says the plan is to give stakeholders a chance to submit input so government can amend the directives to meet current needs.
“The minister had to issue the directives now as required by the Act,” Modise says. “If she didn't, the Act would have been null and void.”
Modise says it would be unfair to close the door on industry after the directives where issued, especially as there are instances where operators feel the law does not adequately cover current technological developments.
The directives were published in Government Gazette number 28271 and are also available on the department's Web site.
