Public comment invited on interconnection, facilities leasing draft regulations

Interconnection is the physical and logical linking of telecommunications systems in order to enable any user of one network to communicate with a user of another network. Facilities leasing involves the leasing of facilities by an Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) licensee to other licensees or persons exempt from requiring a licence, in order to provide services to end-users.

The Interconnection and Facilities Leasing Regulations propose the principles that must inform the commercial agreements of parties seeking to interconnect or lease facilities. The regulations provide a framework for negotiation of interconnection or facilities leasing agreements. This is an essential requirement for a competitive sector.

In terms of the Electronic Communications Act, ICASA is required to revise all existing regulations within 24 months of promulgation of the ECA. The draft regulations will repeal all existing regulations dealing with interconnection and facilities leasing in the sector and in doing so, provide a consolidated framework.

ICASA invites all interested parties and members of the public to submit written comments by noon on Monday, 3 September 2007.

The draft regulations are available on at www.icasa.org.za and at the ICASA library at:

Block C, 164 Katherine Street

PinMill Farm, Sandton

Johannesburg

Enquiries should be directed to:

Nomvuyiso Batyi

Tel +27 (0)11 321 8415

Email