Goldleaf commits to new SNO process
Goldleaf, one of the original bidders for a 51% strategic equity partner (SEP) stake in South Africa's second telephone network operator, will participate in the new SNO process announced by government this week.
Minister of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, has announced that she will appoint the SEP after a round of one-on-one or competitive negotiations between a government-appointed second network operator (SNO) committee and all interested parties.
Welcoming the Minister's decision, Goldleaf CEO Peter Archer says the new process is probably the only pragmatic way forward given the slowdown in the global telecommunications industry. "The initial Invitation To Apply (ITA) was complicated by the fact that it did not address the realities of the current telecommunications market. We commend the Minister for adopting a more flexible approach."
Telecommunications analysts and funders, Archer adds, have recognised the experience and financial prudence that underpin the Goldleaf business plan. "We expended some 200 man weeks building a business plan based on impeccable, bespoke local market research and our team's experience in implementing some 18 SNOs across the globe."
"We strongly believe that our business model, coupled with the unrivalled industry knowledge and experience that Goldleaf brings to the table, is the only realistic option to ensure a quick-to-market yet enduring SNO," says Archer.
Goldleaf has also indicated that, in the light of the Minister's process, it will no longer pursue plans to institute a legal review of ICASA's recommendation. "We have always been committed to the liberalisation of the South African telecommunications market. We have taken this decision in order to ensure that the process moves forward as quickly as possible, to the benefit of all South Africans," concludes Mike van den Bergh, director of Goldleaf.
