ICASA to clamp down on anti competitiveness
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) recently gave insight into how it intends to implement the provisions of the Electronic Communications act (ECA) which requires the regulator to implement pro-competitive terms such as price controls on operators which hold significant market power.
According to ICASA Councillor Thabo Makhakhe this will take place within markets which are found to be characterised by ineffective competition.
“The Electronic Communications Act is a component of the South African government’s policy to enhance both dynamic and allocative efficiency in the management of communications resources within the South African economy. The Act makes specific provision for ex ante pro-competitive regulation where market failure exists and competition is deemed to be ineffective.”
To determine whether future regulation is required in other communications markets ICASA has formulated a guideline which includes the following procedures:
- The public must be consulted in the process of determining new regulation
- An outline of the aspects to be considered before passing new regulation must be made available
- ICASA must indicate which information it might require when conducting investigations into the competitive equality of a market sector
This may be good news for consumers who have encouraged the regulator to mobilise against anti-competitive business practices in the local telecoms market.
ICASA and anti-competitive companies << discussion
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