Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA/the Authority) reminds all interested stakeholders to make submissions on the Draft Equipment Authorisation Regulations by no later than 16h00 on 31 May 2021, following the re-opening of written comments published on 24 May 2021.

Governed by the promotion of administrative justice, the Authority saw it fit to re-open the window for submissions in order to afford stakeholders additional time to make new submissions, supplement already submitted information, or even revise submissions.

“Public interest is at the centre of all our regulatory processes; and submissions, whether oral or written, are a driving force towards the Authority’s evidence-based decisions that are responsive to the needs of all South Africans,” says ICASA Councillor, Dr Charley Lewis.

The draft regulations have been developed, amongst other objectives, to streamline the Equipment Authorisation regulatory framework in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) and the ICASA Act, and to reduce the regulatory burden for equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

Dr Lewis further emphasises the need for equipment authorisations and the related regulatory framework. “It is important to note that the regulatory approval of types of electronic communications equipment and facilities, along with end-user devices, plays a critical role in the smooth operation of networks and services, and is key to ensuring the safety of users and the protection of consumers,” adds Dr Lewis.

The Authority continues to encourage full industry and civil society stakeholder participation in all regulatory processes, as this is critical for ensuring a holistic understanding of the ICT sector and the related interventions required.

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