The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is investigating allegations Wireless Business Solutions (WBS) has reconnected radio communication equipment previously affected by the regulator’s seizure of property on Wednesday.
HumanIPO reported yesterday Broadlink, which relies on WBS for its iBurst network, were left surprised when their service went down as a result of the raid.
ICASA said the raid on the offices of WBS was a result of its “national drive to recover all outstanding licence fees from electronic communications, broadcasting and postal licensees”.
The regulator confirmed they had sealed and seized WBS radio communication equipment from six Gauteng sites, but were concerned the company, accused of not paying its licence fees, had reconnected its devices.
The regulator added: “The Authority’s inspectors are conducting tests to verify allegations that WBS has or is reconnecting the affected radio-communication equipment.
“In October 2012 ICASA adopted a hard-line approach to non-compliance with regard to
the collection of outstanding radio frequency licence fees. As a result, ICASA inspectors
commenced with investigations that led to the crackdown on WBS earlier this week.”
An ICASA spokesman told HumanIPO they were not able to comment on reports Thami Mtshali, chief executive of WBS, could be the subject of an arrest warrant requested by the regulator.
