ICASA mum on potential spectrum irregularities
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is currently in the process of deciding how it will allocate scarce spectrum to competing applicants. The regulator recently published draft regulations for the procedures and criteria for granting radio frequency spectrum licenses for competing applications, a process which should culminate in four new national operators in the 2.6 GHz spectrum band (generally referred to as WiMax spectrum).
While this is a positive step, questions have been raised about the regulator’s ability and willingness to police the usage and potential illegal use of radio spectrum in the country.
It recently came to light that Screamer Telecoms is using spectrum assigned to Sentech to provide WiMax services across the country. When Sentech was approached about the issue, the company said that it does not have any relationship with Screamer Telecoms. “Sentech is not aware if Screamer Telecoms is using its broadband spectrum, if so it is illegal,” said Sentech’s Head of Corporate Communications, Polly Modiko.
ICASA was also asked to comment on the issue, but despite numerous requests the regulator would not speak out about this potential unauthorized spectrum usage. This may well give an indication that ICASA is hesitant to perform one of its most fundamental functions: police South Africa’s airwaves.
In the past illegal spectrum usage was one of the areas where ICASA showed teeth, but the latest incident and the regulator’s reluctance to comment on the issue is worrisome to some industry players.
One industry expert, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the ICASA council is directly involved in decision making in the WiMax spectrum bands, and that the issue of potential spectrum usage arrangements ‘behind the Authority’s back’ is of concern.
ICASA spectrum policing – do they still have teeth?
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