Mobile networks request fair rules as Starlink looms
Just as Elon Musk’s Starlink is lobbying hard for a change to the ownership rules for mobile operators, SA’s mobile network companies, through their lobby group ACT, have told Icasa that there needs to be fairness in the licensing regime, TechCentral writes.
ACT said a decision to focus on updating satellite licensing regulations is flawed because the process needs a ‘holistic’ overhaul.
ACT represents Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Rain. Speaking on behalf of the lobby group at oral hearings into the proposed new licensing framework for satellite services in Pretoria, ACT head of industry research Phila Sithole said all licensees, not only those in the satellite industry, would benefit from an improved regime.
‘The premise of this inquiry may be flawed,’ Sithole said.
‘ACT awaits a revised, “technology-neutral” framework for the entire sector that implements changes in a holistic manner and not just to advantage some.’
ACT, in an earlier written submission to Icasa, argued that the Electronic Communications Act already makes provision for licensing satellite networks.
It was not clear to it why Icasa felt there needed to be a review. It also argued that of the three types of licences the new framework proposed, two were already clearly defined in the Act, with the third, a ‘space segment’ registration regime serving no purpose.
In its submission, ACT said mobile network operators have been subjected to onerous obligations, especially regarding connectivity levels in underserved communities.
It asked Icasa to carry out a comprehensive review of spectrum licence obligations that would place similar obligations on all licensees via a technology-neutral framework.
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