New minister lights a fire under stalled spectrum auction
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams'gusto for her new job could bring to an end the long delay in issuing spectrum for high-speed mobile communication
The vigour with which newly appointed dual-minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams is tackling her portfolios may mean the imminent allocation of long-delayed spectrum for high-speed mobile communication.While the immediate intention of her dual role is unifying the department of communications and the department of telecommunications & postal services, it is also set to light a fire under regulatory processes. She has come under fire for her handling of the SABC board's decision to retrench staff - four board members resigned in protest - but it is also an indication that she will be a hands-on minister in her areas of responsibility."Having both departments - and the regulator - now under a single minister is a massive plus," says independent telecommunications analyst Charley Lewis. "It will facilitate proper co-ordination again, and enable the process to move ahead speedily. The new minister has already shown she is keen to act swiftly."Spectrum allocation is regarded by most observ...
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