Question NW1007 to the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:
17 May 2017 - NW1007
Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:
Whether any discussions have been held with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on any aspect of the implementation of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper; if not, (a) why not and (b) are there any plans to include the regulator in the implementation of any aspect of the policy; if so, (i) what issues have been discussed and (ii) what is the expected outcome of these discussions?
Reply:
I have being advised by the Department as follows:
Yes. The Department is required by law to engage ICASA. The Department has engaged ICASA on the implementation of the
National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper. These discussions were initially led by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of ICASA
(i) Issues discussed:-
- Legislative programme to implement the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper;
- Cost to Communicate Programme;
- Compilation of National ICT indicators to support policy development and regulation making; and
- Wireless Open Access Network and the assignment of high demand spectrum.
(ii) To solicit ICASA’s input on the Implementation Framework as the regulator will be expected to implement policy, including the integration of the plan into their future Annual Performance Plans. Discussions are on-going.