Question NW122 to the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
29 February 2016 - NW122
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) What is the status of the production of the Rapid Deployment Policy, (b) when will the specified policy be gazetted for public comment and (c) what is the intended date of the ratification thereof; (2) (a) who was contracted to (i) research and (ii) draft the specified policy and (b) what amount was paid to the specified persons in each case; (3) whether the specified persons will be further involved in the (a) finalisation and (b) ratification of these guidelines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
(1)(a) The research and report on consultations was finalised in September 2015. The Department used the research and report on consultations to prepare a draft Rapid Deployment Policy. The draft Rapid Deployment policy has been incorporated into the National Integrated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy White Paper as it provides support to policies and processes contained in the White Paper.
(1)(b)&(c) National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper Policy will be submitted to Cabinet for approval in March 2016.
(2)(a)(i)&(ii) The Department contracted the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC), an agency of the National Treasury, established to provide advisory services, programme management, support high-impact government initiatives, and strengthen infrastructure planning to support the Department in the development of the Rapid Deployment Policy and Policy Directions on Electronic Facilities. Following a competitive bidding tender process run by GTAC with the involvement of the Department, Analysys Mason (Pty) Ltd, was appointed to liaise with stakeholders, conduct research and develop a draft rapid deployment policy.
(2)(b) The agreed upon deliverables and other project costs between the department and GTAC is R 4 996 732.00. GTAC has, to date, paid Analysys Mason, the service provider R 3 695 444.00.
(3)(a) Analysys Mason (Pty) Ltd, will not be further involved in both the finalisation and ratification of the policy because the Rapid Deployment Policy and Policy Directions have been incorporated into the ICT White Paper and will therefore not be finalised and ratified as a standalone policy.