I sent this e-mail to the Chairman of ICASA : [email protected]
For Attention : Mr. Paris Mashile and associated Councillors
Good Day , Sir
I write to you in view of the Communications Ministers Budget Speech on the Subject of VANS being able to self provide with their own networks. Currently in South Africa we have only 2 operators providing WCDMA services to the public. Cell-C has the option to build out a 3G Network but is focusing on their 2G network and on building a subscriber base. So for the next few years we don't expect Cell-C to roll out 3G. Currently only MTN & Vodacom provide 3G wireless services in the 1900mhz - 2100mhz band. Before they entrech the market and start their domination of the market again ICASA has the opportunity to allow competition in the mobile space by allocation of Spectrum in this band by allowing 2 more 3G licences in this band as their are hundreds of thousands of wireless data cards and wireless USB modems for this band available in this country as people upgrade and get ADSL. People in rural areas and Townships will at least be able to access this service quickly and cheaply. My goal is to ensure that BLACK people have access to Technology at the Lowest price possible at the quickest time. Also there are thousands of 3G mobile phones available in this country with which these networks can be accessed for internet purposes via a USB cable which is normally supplied with the mobile phone.
How do we do it :
1. ICASA contact all the major VANS operators to a meeting.
2. Put up the offer of 2 x 3G mobile DATA Licences for issue.
3. LICENCE - ONE - Suggesting that 2 Vans operators form one company to operate the infrastructure network with both having equal access to the same network. Reduces investment costs and improves coverage.
4. LICENCE - TWO - Suggesting that 2 Vans operators form one company to operate the infrastructure network with equal having access to the same network. Reduces investment costs and improves coverage.
5. Mobile voice with handover to be allowed after 2 years of operation of the wireless data network.
6. Although the operators will be sharing a network they will resell their products separately to ensure competition between themselves.
7. Currently we are accessing the 3G Networks for mobile internet however the speeds are very slow due to Voice being allowed over the same networks.
8. This is the perfect opportunity for ICASA to open the mobile space up and allow competition.
9. Companies that manufacture 3G equipment from China are regularly reducing the cost of their Equipment due to competitive prices from other Manufacturers. Namely ZTE and Huawei.
10. These VANS can have their networks setup in less than 6 Months.
11. While they will initially be providing mobile Broadband data their gaurantee for their Investment is the ability to provide mobile voice after 2 years time by which they would have a fully functioning network and excellent coverage. No new Terminal equipment will be required for general public because the access devices are already available in the country.
12. Roaming over other networks may be an option at a later stage.
It's time to get the show on the road SIR.
Commit your Staff today to get this over by end of JULY 2007.
DXL - Team
For Attention : Mr. Paris Mashile and associated Councillors
Good Day , Sir
I write to you in view of the Communications Ministers Budget Speech on the Subject of VANS being able to self provide with their own networks. Currently in South Africa we have only 2 operators providing WCDMA services to the public. Cell-C has the option to build out a 3G Network but is focusing on their 2G network and on building a subscriber base. So for the next few years we don't expect Cell-C to roll out 3G. Currently only MTN & Vodacom provide 3G wireless services in the 1900mhz - 2100mhz band. Before they entrech the market and start their domination of the market again ICASA has the opportunity to allow competition in the mobile space by allocation of Spectrum in this band by allowing 2 more 3G licences in this band as their are hundreds of thousands of wireless data cards and wireless USB modems for this band available in this country as people upgrade and get ADSL. People in rural areas and Townships will at least be able to access this service quickly and cheaply. My goal is to ensure that BLACK people have access to Technology at the Lowest price possible at the quickest time. Also there are thousands of 3G mobile phones available in this country with which these networks can be accessed for internet purposes via a USB cable which is normally supplied with the mobile phone.
How do we do it :
1. ICASA contact all the major VANS operators to a meeting.
2. Put up the offer of 2 x 3G mobile DATA Licences for issue.
3. LICENCE - ONE - Suggesting that 2 Vans operators form one company to operate the infrastructure network with both having equal access to the same network. Reduces investment costs and improves coverage.
4. LICENCE - TWO - Suggesting that 2 Vans operators form one company to operate the infrastructure network with equal having access to the same network. Reduces investment costs and improves coverage.
5. Mobile voice with handover to be allowed after 2 years of operation of the wireless data network.
6. Although the operators will be sharing a network they will resell their products separately to ensure competition between themselves.
7. Currently we are accessing the 3G Networks for mobile internet however the speeds are very slow due to Voice being allowed over the same networks.
8. This is the perfect opportunity for ICASA to open the mobile space up and allow competition.
9. Companies that manufacture 3G equipment from China are regularly reducing the cost of their Equipment due to competitive prices from other Manufacturers. Namely ZTE and Huawei.
10. These VANS can have their networks setup in less than 6 Months.
11. While they will initially be providing mobile Broadband data their gaurantee for their Investment is the ability to provide mobile voice after 2 years time by which they would have a fully functioning network and excellent coverage. No new Terminal equipment will be required for general public because the access devices are already available in the country.
12. Roaming over other networks may be an option at a later stage.
It's time to get the show on the road SIR.
Commit your Staff today to get this over by end of JULY 2007.
DXL - Team