Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) hereby wishes to inform all stakeholders that it will convene a public hearing in relation to the applications for the transfer of control of the I-ECNS and I-ECS licences from Cell C to the Prepared Company (TPC).

On 26 September 2023, Cell C submitted two key applications to ICASA:

• An application for the transfer of its Individual Electronic Communications Network Service (I-ECNS) and Individual Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS) licenses to TPC, in accordance with section 13(2) of the Electronic Communications Act, No. 36 of 2005 (ECA).
• An application for the transfer of its radio frequency spectrum licenses (RFS Licenses) to TPC, as per section 31(2A) of the ECA.

These applications seek ICASA's approval to transfer the I-ECS and I-ECNS licenses, and the RFS Licenses, from Cell C to TPC. ICASA will evaluate these applications based on:

• Promotion of competition in the ICT sector;
• Consumer interests;
• Equity ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs).

Following the publication of a notice in Government Gazette No. 49831 on 6 December 2023, inviting written representations, ICASA received six submissions by the extended deadline of 22 January 2024. Respondents also expressed interest in making oral submissions. Cell C's written responses to these representations were submitted on 15 March 2024, following an extension granted by ICASA.

In accordance with section 9(2)(e) of the ECA, ICASA will hold a public hearing to further discuss these applications.

Members of the media and all interested stakeholders are invited to attend the Public Hearing as Follows:

• Date: 19 September 2024
• Venue: Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City, Midrand
• Microsoft teams: Join the meeting now
• Time: 8:30am

The programme for the hearing will be as follows:

Ends…

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