Open-access spectrum model needed to cut costs, says Cwele
A lack of mobile broadband competition is behind high data prices, the Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister tells the National Assembly
An open-access spectrum model will be key in driving down the cost of communicating in SA, Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele said on Wednesday. Responding to a question from DA MP Marian Shinn during a question and answer session in the National Assembly, Cwele said that lack of competition in the mobile broadband market was a major factor behind the high data prices in the country. The market is dominated by Vodacom and MTN. Cwele said the government wanted to see mobile carriers sharing infrastructure, similar to the way the industry operates in Mexico, which he recently visited. Last month, Cwele said the Competition Commissioner should probe the high cost of data in the country. "Last year I issued a policy directive to Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) to focus on broadband market to see if there is effective competition. Unfortunately, the regulator has not completed that study," said Cwele. "The challenge is that two players domi...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.