Release of spectrum ‘will cut costs’
Cabinet also approves CSIR to determine spectrum requirements for the wireless open access network
The release of more spectrum to ICT-industry players would be key in driving down the cost of communicating and reducing barriers to entry, telecommunications & postal services minister Siyabonga Cwele said on Thursday. He spoke after the cabinet announced it had approved the tabling in parliament of the amended Electronic Communications Amendment Bill. Among other measures, the bill seeks to introduce a wireless open-access network as envisaged in the integrated ICT policy white paper, and to improve competition regulation and infrastructure sharing in the sector. The cabinet also approved a study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to determine spectrum requirements for the wireless open access network. Under this network system, spectrum would be pooled and given to a new national wholesale open-access network operator owned by the government and the industry. Mobile giants including Vodacom and MTN, had previously voiced concern about the proposal to res...
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