The case for Icasa

VJB 449 said:
What are you on about?
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It's no good demonizing Telkom or offering independent surveys on the state of the broadband industry if we are favouring one of the competitors.

Independence as an activist forum should be prized. For example, the Argus newspaper reviews restaurants. They proudly state that the reviews are fair because they pay for what they ordered. Similarly, if we are taking favours and cash from a mobile network, our opinions will be seen as tainted.
 
Case for Icasa

Although I fully agree that we need an effective regulator and more competition I do not agree that the privatization of Telkom has not had benefits even for consumers. At the time of company formation it employed close to 60 000 people and in its old state as a Government department there would have been very little incentive to become more efficient and reduce staff numbers more in line with international norms. Just imagine what tariffs would have been had these staff reductions not been done!

The reality about ICASA is that it lacks capacity and it is doubtful whether there is sufficient political will to seriously address this. At the same time even a strong ICASA would still be hampered by the slow pace of policy formulation. From a policy point of view we appear to battle in finding a more constructive balance between socio-economic goals and maximising economic growth through increased competition in the sector. Let's also not forget the clout and influence of the incumbent players.
 
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