Pretoria, 29 February 2000
The Government has taken note of the announcement by the South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, naming Cell C its preferred bidder for the third cellular phone licence, Minister of Communications Dr. Ivy Matsepe- Casaburri said on Tuesday.
The next step in the process towards finalisation of the decision, in accordance with section 35 of the Telecommunications Act, will be to grant bidders an opportunity to make representations on SATRA’s recommendation within 14 days.
Following representations by bidders SATRA may adjust its decision and make a recommendation to the Minister to grant the licence and the terms and conditions of the licence by the end of March 2000.
The role of the Minister would be to ensure that all the necessary aspects have been taken into consideration by the SATRA Council in applying its mind to the bids, including views expressed by all stakeholders in response to SATRA’s current preferred bidder.
"I hope the process will be completed within the outlined time table by the end of March and finally put to rest any uncertainty that has surrounded the process," the Minister said.