Communication: Directive on spectrum licensing expected ‘soon’

A policy directive to the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) on radio frequency spectrum licensing is expected to be issued ‘soon’, according to a media statement released by the authority on Friday. This is noting recommendations for the ‘urgent assignment’ of high-demand spectrum in a summary of the preliminary findings of a Competition Commission data services market inquiry now nearing completion. In the commission’s view, spectrum licensing ‘should be contingent on obligations to pass through cost reductions from greater spectrum access’, reports Pam Saxby for Legalbrief Policy Watch.

Recommendations in the summary document are apparently ‘broadly in line’ with Icasa’s own thinking – hence regulatory interventions that have included amendments to the end-user and subscriber service charter regulations. The authority has observed a ‘downward trend’ in out-of-bundle tariffs following the move, bringing ‘some’ relief to consumers. However, Icasa’s own mobile data services market review will determine the ‘appropriateness’ of imposing ‘pro-competitive remedies’ on players with significant market power. Still under way, it is ‘likely to be completed’ by end of the 2019/20 financial year.

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