South Africa’s ICT sector wants coverage and regulatory modifications to maintain up with rising applied sciences, Icasa chairman Mothibi Ramusi mentioned in an interview.
Technological advances similar to satellite tv for pc web and synthetic intelligence are forcing governments and communications regulators worldwide to revamp their oversight of the trade.
Ramusi, the not too long ago appointed chairman of Icasa — South Africa’s communications regulator — mentioned one in all his priorities is making certain the regulator tailored to vary.
The regulator is engaged on finalising its five-year technique plan, which is able to information its priorities going ahead.
“As we have now it proper now, our legislative frameworks are nonetheless a barrier to leapfrog into the longer term,” he mentioned on the sidelines of a expertise convention in Cape City on Thursday.
“The primary precedence to get issues proper is we have to revamp all the ICT framework. The coverage must be reviewed, the Icasa Act and different related acts, just like the Digital Communication Transaction Act.”
South Africa is but to signal into legislation proposed amendments to the Digital Communications Act, which have been in dialogue for years. The invoice, amongst different issues, proposes new laws for cell digital networks and permits spectrum sharing.
Icasa has additionally initiated an inquiry into the licensing framework for satellite tv for pc web suppliers to supply clear guidelines for potential operators within the nation, amid the rising demand for Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
‘We’re embracing that’
Submissions for feedback had been closed this week and Icasa will analyse the inputs and start public consultations earlier than finalising the suitable licensing framework, Ramusi mentioned.
“We’re conscious that when you’re speaking infrastructure growth, there are different areas the place you may not be capable to join folks with what you name terrestrial infrastructure,” Ramusi mentioned. “So, satellite tv for pc turns into one other infrastructure layer that we’d like since you want speedy deployment. In South Africa, we’re embracing that.”
Learn: Starlink is already at capability in some African cities
South Africa was one of many first few African nations the place Starlink wished to launch its satellite tv for pc web however is rumoured to be hindered by the nation’s laws, which require foreign-owned firms to promote a 30% stake to traditionally deprived teams so as to function in nation. — (c) 2024 Reuters
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