The prospect of a National Broadband Council, featuring stakeholders from the public and private sector, has been welcomed by Dominic Cull, the Internet Service Providers’ Association regulatory advisor.
HumanIPO reported yesterday the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Amendment Bill and the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill had both been presented to the National Assembly, with the latter including the recommendation of a National Broadband Council.
The previous version of the bill suggested there should be a Commission set up to discuss and monitor broadband issues, but this was criticised because it could be heavily influenced by government.
Speaking to HumanIPO, Cull said: “We would welcome that it has been opened up to public and private participation, which really ensures all stakeholders are properly represented within the council. I think it is an excellent idea.
“There is plenty for it to achieve, especially the monitoring of broadband penetration. What is required is for the work of the council to be done on a factual basis.”
ICASA announced this morning it was delaying the publication of its local loop unbundling regulations, which are widely hoped to increase competition in the fixed-line internet market.
Cull told HumanIPO he did not believe the publication of the draft regulations would be too long away as he understood they had already been completed.
