South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority, ICASA, has withdrawn notices on two planned inquiries: into the affordability of telecommunications services and the impact of OTT services on traditional broadcasting and the telecommunications sector. The regulator said the decision would make it possible to resolve administrative and procedural issues and better align regulation, TimesLIVE reports.
ICASA said it would republish the notice on the inquiry into the affordability of telecommunications services together with a draft questionnaire for public consultation. Interested parties that have already submitted comments will be able to resubmit or supplement them after the updated document is published.
Both inquiries were announced only a few weeks ago. The first was intended to assess the cost of telecommunications services and possible regulatory or market measures. ICASA stressed that affordable connectivity is important for digital inclusion, economic participation, education and service delivery. The regulator also pointed to affordability challenges for voice communications and broadband internet among low-income households, rural communities, young people and workers in the informal sector.
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A separate notice on OTT services will also be published later. According to ICASA, the updated version is expected to contain more context and clearer guidance on public participation. The regulator did not specify dates for the republication of either notice.
The purpose of the second inquiry was to examine the impact of internet services for streaming, messaging and calls, including Netflix and WhatsApp, on local broadcasters and network operators. ICASA said OTT platforms had changed the broadcasting market, forcing regulated linear broadcasters to compete for audiences and advertising revenue.
Source: UA
