Icasa 'snatches' phone provider's kit

Icasa has embarked on a campaign to collect outstanding licence fees and enforce compliance from operators. Last month‚ it was involved in a public spat with iBurst after it confiscated the telecommunications operator's equipment for not paying its licence.

Icasa's spokesperson Paseka Maleka said Icasa has held a number of meetings with Amatole to discuss its outstanding licence fees. In August last year‚ Amatole signed an acknowledgement of debt and agreed to pay it over seven months.

"Two payments were made but Amatole has since defaulted on the payment arrangement which invalidated such agreement‚" said Maleka.

Icasa said it obtained a search and seizure warrant from the East London Magistrates Court against Amatole Telecommunication.

Icasa is reportedly owed hundreds of millions of rands in unpaid licence fees from operators.

Cell C allegedly owes Icasa money but on Wednesday (8 May) Cell C denied it was in default or that any money was outstanding to the regulator.