THE Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) should look at reducing its reserve pricing model for smaller spectrum blocks to enable small operators to participate in the radio frequency licensing process, says Vodacom group CEO Shameel Joosub.Icasa is auctioning the radio frequency spectrum licences within the 700MHz, 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands, with the minimum price set at R3bn.The spectrum is needed for mobile broadband wireless access. The auction could raise more than R10bn for Treasury.However, the process has received criticism from Cell C and Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele, who has threatened legal action against the regulator.Cell C has said the price is too high because the spectrum lots are not equally valuable.The company’s chief legal officer, Graham Mackinnon, said recently there were two "very attractive" spectrum lots relative to other lots that, on an auction, would go to the bidders with the deepest pockets.Joosub said on Tu...
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