What makes the CCC different?

Good question.

An overview on what makes the CCC different:

Consumer complaints - ‘Telkom’s non-compliance with the ADSL regulations has sparked numerous complaints from ADSL users, which have reached the CCC through ICASA’s consumer affairs and monitoring structures’ (Telkom soon in hot seat regarding ADSL Regulations, 1 August 2007).

In other words, the CCC is consumer driven.

Strict time frames – ‘The CCC functions under strict time frames, and after a complaint or dispute has been escalated to the CCC, it generally sets up a hearing within 6 weeks. The final ruling about the dispute will be made within 90 days from the hearing’ (Telkom soon in hot seat regarding ADSL Regulations, 1 August 2007).

In other words, the CCC functions/operates within strict time limits, leaving little time for culprits to get away when memory loss sets in after several months or years have passed.

Independent – ‘Many people feel that this new ICASA structure – which has more independent powers and functions to apply strict time frames – will serve consumers far better than what ICASA could achieve in the past’ (Telkom soon in hot seat regarding ADSL Regulations, 1 August 2007).

In other words, the CCC is assumingly bettered equipped to handle consumer complaints effectively.

‘There is a strong feeling that a hard-hitting regulator is what is needed to ensure that ICASA - rather than the bigger telecoms players - say what goes in the telecoms space, and this case will give a good indication of what consumers and businesses can expect from ICASA in future’ (Telkom soon in hot seat regarding ADSL Regulations, 1 August 2007).

In other words, a regulator with steel balls is what’s needed. If the CCC fails to punish Telkom for non-compliance with ADSL regulations, it will be a sure sign that Telkom instead of ICASA is still calling the shots. If the opposite happens, ICASA will go down in history as a South African telecoms regulator that managed to turn the ship around before all was lost.

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) wishes ICASA all the best. You have one chance left to win our hearts and minds. Please don’t fail us again.