Electronic Communications Amendment Bill
19 September 2007
The Minister of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, invites members of
the public to submit written comments to the draft Electronic Communications
Amendment Bill due to be introduced in Parliament before the end of 2007.
The minister issued the general notice (No: 1200 of 2007) published in the
government gazette on 17 September 2007. Members of the public have 30 working
days to submit their written comments. The objective is to amend the Electronic
Communications Act, of 2005, so as to empower the minister to issue a policy
direction; and to provide an opportunity for government to make strategic
interventions on infrastructure investments whenever it deems necessary.
In amending the Act, government will be able to address pertinent issues in
the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector such as reducing the
cost to communicate by providing infrastructure at wholesale rate to other
operators, link New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) Broadband with
Africa/Latin America and Europe and provide the much needed bandwidth for
strategic projects and consumers in general.
The Bill will also provide a forward looking legislative framework, which
facilitates government's intervention in the ICT sector in line with a
developmental state.
To access the draft bill, visit https://www.doc.gov.za, under news.
Written comments on the proposed Bill may be sent to the following
addresses:
Project Manager
Telecommunications Policy
Department of Communications
Private Bag X860
Pretoria
0001
Or
Deliver to:
First Floor, Block A3
IParioli Office Park
399 Duncan Street
Hatfield
Or
Fax to: 012 427 8059
Fax e-mail to: 012 421 8110
E-mail to: ecaamendment@doc.gov.za
The Minister has also published in the government gazette approved final
policy decisions and directions drafted in terms of section 3(1) and 2 of the
EC Act, 2005. The policy decisions and directions were announced in May during
the Department of Communications Budget Vote in the National Assembly. They can
be accessed on https://www.doc.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Ms Matlala
Tel: 012 427 8081
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Issued by: Department of Communications
19 September 2007
