ICASA publishes notice on spectrum licensing and wireless open access network services
On 23 March 2020, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published a notice outlining the process on the licensing of individual electronic communications network services (I-ECNS), and the accompanying radio frequency spectrum licences, in terms of the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005. The notice was published pursuant to the Policy on High Demand Spectrum and Policy Direction on the Licensing of the Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN).
According to the notice, ICASA intends to issue a composite invitation to apply (ITA) for an I-ECNS licence and corresponding radio frequency spectrum licence, for the purpose of providing wireless open access network services. The composite ITA will detail the evaluation criteria for applications, which will include the following:
- Promotion of competition and transformation in the ICT sector;
- Interests of consumers;
- Equity ownership by historically disadvantaged persons and South African citizens;
- Viability of the proposed service;
- Technical efficiency;
- Functional efficiency; and
- Economic efficiency.
According to the notice, received applications will be subjected to a public consultation process, and applications will be made available for public scrutiny. Interested stakeholders will be invited to make written and oral submissions on the applications.
The notice published by ICASA can be downloaded here: ICASA – Notice – Spectrum licensing
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