Statement: R2K welcomes spectrum policy!
The Right2Know campaign welcomes the policy on high demand spectrum and policy direction on the licensing of a wireless open-access network. The emphasis on Wireless Open-Access Network (WOAN) is a big victory as this will help entrepreneurs and SMMEs to enter the sector.
Although we challenge the assertion by cellular companies that lack of access to spectrum has held them back from lowering the prices of airtime and data, nonetheless we demand that they now follow through with doing what they always claimed they could do if they had more spectrum: #DataMustFall!
We believe support for the WOAN will also assist leverage the competition between the bigger networks who have had a monopoly of the telecommunications industry for a long time. These networks have kept up the cost to communicate over the years without any reprimand from regulators; they have continued to make the space to provide services smaller and have made it impossible for network sharing to thrive until now. The implementation of network sharing is important also to decrease the cost of communication in this country so as to afford the poor the right to communicate freely.
The campaign recognizes the work and research put into the culmination of this document and we welcome the focus on growing small and incoming networks. The current documents’ focus is one that directs its lens toward a growing and inclusive industry and we are encouraged. We welcome especially the policy objectives reserved for the assignment of WOAN, which include most notably that no single entity may control the spectrum and the obligation to comply with empowerment requirements. This will go a long way in disallowing the monopolistic nature in which the sector has been operating with regard to spectrum.
The Right2Know supports and welcomes the conditions that are to apply to WOAN, most notably the condition that there must be diversity in ownership; this creates an inclusive range of participation with SMMEs also gaining an opportunity; and secondly the condition on inclusivity toward targeted groups such as youths, women and differently-abled persons. The Authorities considerations placed by the minister are also shining a light on costs and the exclusive nature of the sector on spectrum had become and we are most encouraged by the consideration of reduced spectrum fees and reduced radio spectrum license fees that should according to the minister apply for 10 years amongst others. We believe these considerations will go a long way in opening up the sector to newer entities, SMMEs and young groups seeking to become service providers.
We had hoped this policy directive would touch on the direction on digital migration as this process may free up spectrum which can be sold in a transparent process, which will then raise funds for the sector. However, we will wait keenly for the department of Communication to engage that section of the conversation on spectrum allocation. We are hopeful that with this new policy directive the department of communication will keep a close eye on those charged with regulating this policy as spectrum is in demand and has remained in the hands of the few to the detriment of the many, for far too long.
For more information contact:
Lazola Kati, R2K Communication Rights Organiser: 072 956 7753
Biko Mutsaurwa, R2K NWG Member: 076 982 7588
