Very interesting article. I recommend reading it in full.
The sad part is that our dearest regulator ICASA can't even get the simple things done right, in a reasonable amount of time. For them to even consider the issue of operators sharing their assets will be a miracle. ICASA is about 5 to 10 years behind the regulators in other countries, even other African countries.
What they are doing in the UK is amazing. 13,000 base stations around the country, shared by 2 operators, provides more coverage than the combined individual 18,000 base stations they originally had! Can you imagine that?! They are going to remove 5000 redundant base stations.
It will be interesting to follow the alleged partnership between Telkom Mobile and Cell C for rolling out new services/expand their networks. Especially if they plan to gang up on MTN and Vodacom. There will be significant cost savings even if they only share sites and masts/towers. It will be much greater if they share backhaul as well.
