Johannesburg – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is publishing the findings in respect of the inquiry embarked upon to identify priority markets that may be prone to regulations in future.  This is one of the three-pronged approach to reducing the high cost of communication for the benefit of consumers. 

ICASA received eight submissions on the discussion document from interested stakeholders and conducted public hearings.  Following written responses as well as oral representations, ICASA has now concluded the priority markets inquiry.

The findings are that the following broad markets (not in order of importance) will be prioritised for potential market review:

1. Wholesale fixed access, which includes wholesale supply of asymmetric broadband origination, fixed access services and relevant facilities. This refers to the provision of last mile connectivity in fixed networks.
2. Upstream infrastructure markets incorporating national transmission services (national leased line services providing high-bandwidth connectivity between distant locations within South Africa) and metropolitan connectivity (connectivity between local sites within high-density urban and sub-urban areas and metropolitan points of presence) and relevant facilities.
3. Mobile services, which includes the retail market for mobile services and the wholesale supply of mobile network services, including relevant facilities.

The findings document is available on this link and at the ICASA library in Sandton during business hours (from 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday).

ICASA will publish a formal notice of its intention to carry out market inquiry of the priority market(s) in due course. 

Ends…

For all media enquiries please contact:

Paseka Maleka

011 566 3455

079 509 0702

pmaleka@icasa.org.za