Communications Minister General (Retired) Siphiwe Nyanda will hand over 80 000 mobile units to the Ministries of Police and Health as part of the 3G (third generation) spectrum license. This initiative is in partnership with South Africa’s mobile operators, namely MTN, Vodacom and Cell C and is part of their Universal Services Obligations. Minister Nyanda will be joined by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and all nine Health MECs.
During his 2010 budget vote speech, Minister Nyanda announced that the Ministry of Communications has reached an agreement with operators to commence with the implementation of the outstanding Universal Service Obligations. The mobile units will be allocated to officials who will be part of the FIFA 2010 World Cup soccer operations. This forms part of the Department of Communications contribution towards the world cup event in support of the safety and emergency services operations.
Other stakeholders present would be the management of the cell phone companies, regulator Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) and other concerned state entities and stakeholders.
Media is invited to be part of this event.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: 8 June 2010
Time: 09h30 to 12h00
Venue: Department of Communications Offices, 399 Duncan Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.
Please confirm attendance with:
Richard Mantu
Cell: 072 488 1520
For media enquiries contact:
Tiyani Rikhotso
Cell: 083 800 9936
Issued by: Department of Communications
7 June 2010
