Sentech maintains WiMax spectrum use is illegal
The debate regarding Screamer Telecoms’ WiMax network is raging on, with some industry players questioning the legality of Screamer Telecoms’ spectrum usage while consumers are applauding the company for making use of Sentech’s unused spectrum.
A telecoms expert recently provided MyBroadband with details about Screamer Telecoms’ spectrum usage, showing that the company uses WiMax spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band assigned to Sentech by ICASA. It was further shown that this usage is likely to interfere with Sentech’s own MyWireless spectrum.
According to the expert Screamer is using two 5 MHz channels around 2502.500 MHz and 2507.500 MHz to provide its subscribers with WiMax services. ICASA has assigned the 2500 MHz to 2550 MHz spectrum band to Sentech, and Screamer Telecoms is clearly using spectrum in this band to provide wireless telecoms services.
Another concern is that Screamer Telecoms’ Spectrum usage may interfere with Sentech’s own MyWireless spectrum usage. Sentech is using three 5 MHz channels for its IP Wireless needs around 2506.000 MHz, 2518.000 MHz and 2530.000 MHz. There is clearly an overlap in the 2506.000 MHz range where Screamer Telecoms is also functioning, and with both companies offering services in various areas of Gauteng interference is highly likely.
One telecoms expert said that channel overlaps such as the one in 2507.5 Mhz and 2506 Mhz are sure to create interference, and added that it is puzzling that Screamer is using spectrum where it can directly interfere with Sentech’s MyWireless spectrum.
He said that this may well be an indication that the radio planning divisions from the two companies are not working together, and said that it will be “interesting to see if Screamer adjusts it’s channel allocations after the publication of the article.”
Sentech says Screamer is illegally using its spectrum
Sentech previously indicated that if Screamer Telecoms is using its broadband spectrum, it is illegal. Screamer Telecoms would not elaborate on any potential agreement it has with Sentech, merely saying that a comprehensive statement would be released on MyBroadband within the next two months.
Sentech has now reiterated that it does not have an agreement with Screamer. “In respect of the afore-mentioned article as well as the previous enquiries sent by MyBroadband, Sentech reiterates that it does not have a relationship with Screamer Telecoms,” said Polly Modiko, Sentech’s head of corporate communications.
MyBroadband is in possession of communication between Sentech management and GWI, widely seen as the company out of which Screamer Telecoms was born, but Sentech made it clear that it has terminated its relationship with GWI. “Sentech previously had a relationship with GWI which we terminated on 4 October 2007,” said Modiko.
It is not clear whether Sentech has laid a complaint with ICASA to investigate this apparent illegal usage of WiMax spectrum. ICASA would also not comment on the situation, raising concerns that the regulator may not be dedicated to the task of ensuring the legal usage of spectrum in the country.
Screamer Telecoms was asked whether they have a legal right to use Sentech’s spectrum, but no feedback was received by the time of publication. The telecoms provider also did not comment on a question as to whether it can assure its subscribers that their WiMAX network is at risk of being taken down by ICASA.
Screamer Telecoms spectrum usage – give your views
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