IS looking at LTE network
Internet Solutions (IS), which already operates their own wireless access and back-haul network, is keen to get their hands on 2.6GHz spectrum.
IS MD Derek Wilcocks told MyBroadband that they are keen to invest in an LTE network if they can get access to 2.6GHz at a reasonable cost and if there are more realistic obligations attached to the spectrum.
Wilcocks said that he understands that it is necessary to ensure that operators don’t waste spectrum, but to expect new market entrants to reach 50% population coverage within two years is not reasonable.
Basically all industry experts share Wilcocks’ view, highlighting that South Africa’s current environmental approval processes and backhaul network challenges mean that it can take years to reach this target from scratch.
Despite these challenges, Wilcocks said that that Internet Solutions is keen to roll out and operate their own LTE network.
Derek Wilcocks
While Internet Solutions’ focus is likely to be on South Africa’s largest cities, Wilcocks said that many of their partners may require mobile networks in smaller towns where it then makes sense for IS to roll out networks in such areas as well.
Wilcocks said that the effective allocation of spectrum can play a big role in making South Africa’s broadband and telecoms environment more competitive, and he urged ICASA to speed up the spectrum allocation processes.
Wilcocks also suggested the sharing of spectrum in some cases, especially if it makes sense to increase competition and ensure more efficient use of that scare resource.
Pieter Uys - Vodacom CEO
Vodacom CEO Pieter Uys has also previously highlighted the benefits of spectrum sharing, especially in rural areas where infrastructure roll-outs are unlikely to be profitable if the cost is covered by single operator.
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