Below, please find issue 15 of ENSafrica's telecoms and media in brief, a snapshot of the latest telecommunications and broadcasting developments in South Africa.

telecommunications

  • GG43537 – 2020 GEN NN 800: Invitation to provide written comments on proposed policy and policy direction on rapid deployment of electronic communications networks and facilitiesGG43537 – 2020 GEN NN 800: Invitation to provide written comments on proposed policy and policy direction on rapid deployment of electronic communications networks and facilities
    • On 22 July 2020, the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, published a notice of intention to issue the policy and policy direction on rapid deployment of electronic communications networks and facilities.
    • The stated purpose of the proposed policy is to provide clarity on the deployment of electronic communications networks and facilities while the purpose of the proposed policy direction is to direct the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ("ICASA") to prescribe regulations on procedures and processes for resolving disputes that may arise between electronic communications network licensees and landowners. This aims to satisfy the public interest in the rapid rollout of electronic communications networks and electronic communications facilities.
    • The proposed policy provides that electronic communications network licensees have the right to enter upon and use public and private land for the deployment of electronic communications networks and facilities, subject to meeting certain conditions, including: notifying the property owner, ensuring a consultation process is conducted with the property owner and ensuring minimal damage to the property in question. The proposed policy also deals with matters relating to charging electronic communications network licensees a reasonable access fee in certain instances. The proposed policy can be accessed here.
    • Interested persons are invited to provide written comments on the proposed policy and policy direction by 2 September 2020 (within 30 working days of the date of publication) addressed to:
      • The Acting Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
      • For attention: Mr. A Wiltz, Chief Director, Telecommunications and IT Policy
      • First Floor, Block A3, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
      • Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001
      • rapid@dtps.gov.za; Cell: 0837140126 (Mr L Motlatla)
    • For assistance in drafting a response, please contact Wilmari Strachan.
  • ICASA to issue invitations for the licensing of the radio frequency spectrum and wireless open access network
    • On 2 July 2020, ICASA issued a media release announcing that it is preparing to publish the "invitation to apply" for both the Wireless Open Access Network ("WOAN") and the International Mobile Telecommunications spectrum, also known as high demand spectrum in line with its strategic objectives, and as confirmed recently during its appearance in parliament.
    • The full media statement is accessible here.

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Originally published July 28, 2020.

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