The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa is playing an important role in the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC) also known as COP17, that is taking place at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre (ICC), Durban from 28 November to 09 December 2011.
ICASA is providing technical support to the SAPS during the event by deploying a team of Inspectors to assist on the following, among others:
- Speedy interference detection and location in critical radio networks
- Monitoring of user specific radio services such as Emergency services, Tactical Communications channels of SAPS and SANDF, NIA, Air traffic Control, Radar and GSM networks etc, for interference.
- Assistance in the homing of vehicle tracking systems.
- Tracking of covert type transmitters used for eavesdropping on security plans and industrial espionage
- Co -ordination of GSM operators for network shutdown in case of terrorist attack
- Assistance in license applications
- Assistance in setting up contingency plans for security based radio networks
- Assistance in cross functional communications systems and operating procedures
ICASA forms part of the Priority Committee for COP17 within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS). The NATJOINTS forms part of The Justice Crime Prevention & Security (JCPS) Cluster of Government, which was established by Government to manage Safety and Security during high profile national events in South Africa.
The purpose of this participation is to ensure the safety and security of all VIPs, delegates, participants and other stakeholders; and to provide incident free COP17 by:
- Establishing uncompromising security measures,
- Limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning,
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- Limiting the probability of incidents occurring
It was noted yesterday that the coverage of the United Nations repeater was extremely poor with dead spots in certain areas at the Durban ICC.
The UN officials have in the meantime been using their simplex channel (Channel 2) to communicate but cannot get full coverage within their operational area. The Authority is working hard to ensure that all communication needs are in order.
Media enquiries:
Paseka Maleka
011 566 3455
079 509 0702
E-mail: pmaleka@icasa.org.za
