Short notice for new law to take back Vodacom and MTN spectrum

[Newsfeed]

Short notice for new law to take back Vodacom and MTN spectrum

 

[system32]

The paper stipulated that new spectrum suitable for cellular networks would go to a national wireless open access network (WOAN). Spectrum currently assigned to mobile operators would be taken back and given to the WOAN.

WOAN has got to be the stupidest idea ever.

Taxpayers fund and build a network for rich Cellular networks to make a profit off.

The Telecommunications and Postal Services department should be auctioning off the spectrum for billions of rands and use the money to save Eishkom, SAA, #FeesMustFall, Postoffce.

 

[The_Librarian]

^ who will fund bandwidth used by WOAN?

 

[Ockie]

^ who will fund bandwidth used by WOAN?

Networks will be forced to buy 30% from the WOAN. Guess that is how they will get money for the running of it. What I am interested in is where will the initial funding come from to build this network and who will be doing the build of this network?

 

[Sumen]

Will the networks be paid for their licences, can't just take something back without a refund

 

[The_Librarian]

Networks will be forced to buy 30% from the WOAN. Guess that is how they will get money for the running of it. What I am interested in is where will the initial funding come from to build this network and who will be doing the build of this network?

Cronyism?

 

[Swa]

Like they've been such a stellar job so far...
I don't have a problem with taking back spectrum from these underperforming networks but I'm against a national network. It wil just be another Fibreco.

 

[Slamz]

Networks will be forced to buy 30% from the WOAN. Guess that is how they will get money for the running of it. What I am interested in is where will the initial funding come from to build this network and who will be doing the build of this network?

Zuptacom? Zupta C? ZTN? Zupta Mobile? plenty companies mentioned here that can do it...

 

[sajunky]

, a compromise was reached.

Operators would keep their spectrum and be in the running for “high-demand spectrum” in the 2,600MHz and 800MHz bands yet to be licensed.

In return, the operators committed to buy at least 30% of the capacity on the WOAN. Rural coverage obligations and 50% capacity purchase on the WOAN are requirements if spectrum is allocated to operators.

These outcomes do not appear in the Amendment Bill, however.

So the agreement applies to the implementation policy, not to the bill itself.

Desperate moves by Vodacom to get more spectrum (some successful) will have now reduced return.