9 November 2000
The Department of Communications has received inquiries about alleged government interference in the ICASA ruling regarding requests by MTN and Vodacom for amendment of their frequency spectrum licenses.
We would like to make our position very clear by categorically stating that the Department of Communications has had nothing to do with the ICASA ruling on the frequency Spectrum Licence Amendment. The Department makes policy and ICASA implements it through the establishment of corresponding regulations and licences. In the absence of 1800 specific policy, there is no basis to even suggest any form of interference.
It is important also to note that the Chairperson of ICASA, Mr Mandla Langa, in his press conference of the 3rd November 2000 held in Sandton, Johannesburg, gave seven reasons for his ruling, none of which implicates government or suggest interference of any kind. The reasons offered are totally analytical, professional and self-explanatory.
In his press conference, Mr Langa did not say that the 1800 MHZ spectrum would not at all be given to the incumbent applicants but that ICASA could not at this point in time, grant 1800 spectrum to existing licensees.
Issued by: Department of Communications
Contact:
Joseph Lebooa
Tel: (012) 427 8206
email: lebooajm@doc.pwv.gov.za