Icasa asked to clarify terminology in draft law

The review of the definition comes at a time when Icasa is preparing to issue radio frequency spectrum licences, which contain obligations for the telecommunications rollout to underserviced areas.

Neotel said there were different definitions of the term "underserviced area" and these anomalies emanated from past Icasa licenses issued to operators. "We believe a clear definition of underserviced area will result in better compliance and will eschew misapprehensions in the sector."

Telecommunications operators have licence obligations to roll out services such as community service telephones, in underserviced areas and most operators have achieved those obligations.

Key challenge is internet access

According to Vodacom, mobile technology had been "successful in ensuring affordable and reliable access" to electronic communications services. "However, the key challenge is internet access," it said during its presentation.

Vodacom said "evidence suggests" that only 10% of households in SA had broadband connection. "Broadband infrastructure is central to the achievement of the goal of digital inclusion. Thus definition of universal-service areas needs to align to government's broadband policy objectives."

Icasa's process is aimed at "harmonising" its definitions with those of the Universal Service and Access Agency, which administers funds to be used for the rollout of telecommunications and related services in rural areas.

Vodacom proposed that Icasa define "limited coverage" in its definition of underserviced areas, as an area within a local or district municipality "which either has less than 80% geographic coverage, 90% population coverage or 20% broadband coverage".

Source: Business Day via I-Net Bridge