Unlicensed WiFi use

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 13 November 2006

Icasa (Independent Communications Authority of SA) is cracking down on ISPs which are delivering broadband access to end users without proper ECA licensing. Is it for the benefit of all or just a move to restrict the use of a freely available resource?

"The Authority wishes to point out that this technology [WiFi] can only be used without the required telecommunications licenses if specific conditions are adhered to, beyond which it will amount to a number of contraventions of the Telecommunications Act, some of which are criminal offences” (Icasa).

One can't help to question Icasa's motives because of its reluctance to rein in the likes of Telkom but its heavy handiness when dealing with smaller players.We're not trying to question the necessity of protecting the rights of licensees but rather protest abuse under the banner of protection. South African authorities are not suppose to swim against the tide especially when the free use of WiFi elsewhere in the world has proven to make telecoms services more affordable to consumers. Any party standing in the way of lower telecoms prices are actually doing the bidding of the profiteers. No one has the right to withhold the use of a freely available resource from us.

The immediate effect of crack downs for some broadband users will be information blackouts or disconnection from the Internet. Fortunately we live in a day and age where viable although not always cheaper alternatives exist.