publishes interconnection and facilities leasing draft regulations
27 July 2007
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has
published interconnection and facilities leasing draft regulations for public
comment. Interconnection is the physical and logical linking of
telecommunications systems in order to enable any user of one network to
communicate with a user of another network. Facilities leasing involves the
leasing of facilities by an Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS)
licensees to other licensees or persons exempt from requiring a licence, in
order to provide services to end-users.
The Interconnection and Facilities Leasing Regulations propose the
principles that must inform the commercial agreements of parties seeking to
interconnect or lease facilities. The regulations provide a framework for
negotiation of interconnection or facilities leasing agreements. This is an
essential requirement for a competitive sector.
In terms of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), Icasa is required to
revise all existing regulations within 24 months of promulgation of the ECA.
The draft regulations will repeal all existing regulations dealing with
interconnection and facilities leasing in the sector and in doing so, provide a
consolidated framework.
Icasa invites all interested parties and members of the public to submit
written comments by 12h00 on 3 September 2007. The draft regulations are
available on the Icasa's website http://www.icasa.org.za and at the Icasa library
at:
Block C, 164 Katherine Street
PinMill Farm, Sandton
Enquiries should be directed to:
Ms Nomvuyiso Batyi
Tel: 011 321 8415
E-mail: nbatyi@icasa.org.za
Media enquiries to be addressed to:
Sekgoela Sekgoela
Tel: 011 321 8434
E-mail: ssekgoela@icasa.org.za
Issued by: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
27 July 2007
