Sentech mum on potential spectrum interference
It was recently established that Screamer Telecoms is using Sentech’s WiMax spectrum to offer telecoms services around the country. According to spectrum analysis by an independent telecoms expert Screamer Telecoms is using spectrum in the 2.5 GHz to 2.6 GHz band which has been assigned to Sentech.
The analyst, who asked to remain anonymous, said Screamer Telecoms is using two 5 MHz slots – from 2500.000 MHz to 2510.000 MHz – to serve its clients. Apart from the fact that this spectrum is assigned to Sentech and should not be used without proper authorization, it is likely to interfere with Sentech’s MyWireless spectrum usage in some areas of Gauteng.
Sentech has previously 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.
When furnished with further information that Screamer Telecoms is indeed using spectrum assigned to Sentech, the parastatal did not answer questions about the situation. After numerous calls to the company Sentech did commit to provide comment by 3 pm today for a follow on article which explains Sentech’s position.
One party close to the company said that it is likely that Screamer Telecoms does indeed have an agreement with Sentech to use their spectrum, but that this agreement may be shrouded in secrecy as the parastatal may not have followed proper procedure to reach such an agreement.
Another telecoms expert said that this issue “goes back to when Screamer Telecoms came out of Global Web Intact (GWI) and there are most definitely questions to be answered as I have seen correspondence where Sentech were aware of this as far back as 2005.”
MyBroadband has been furnished with correspondence between Sentech and Global Web Intact where the issue of spectrum usage was discussed at a high level. This raises questions as to why Sentech denied having a relationship with Screamer Telecoms.
ICASA was asked for information about the apparent illegal use of spectrum by Sentech, but to date the regulator, which should police South Africa’s airwaves, could not provide feedback regarding this issue.
Screamer Telecoms CEO Gavin Hart previously said that he was not at liberty to comment on any arrangement Screamer Telecoms may or may not have with Sentech. Hart however promised that “a comprehensive statement would be released on MyBroadband within the next sixty days.”
Sentech & Screamer spectrum debate – give your views
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