Wireless Internet Access: WAPA seeks action against illegal operators

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 2 September 2010

The Wireless Access Providers’ Association or WAPA has requested that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) take urgent action against illegal or unlicensed broadband operators. These operators, estimated at over 500 at this stage, are providing electronic communications services (including Wireless Internet Access) without the required licensing to do so.

No excuse…

Broadband operators have no excuse for providing services unlawfully, especially if one considers that it’s relatively inexpensive and an uncomplicated process to apply for the necessary licensing.

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) is of the opinion that it’s not only unlawful, but simply unfair to expect that other operators pay for licensing, while you provide the same kind of services, profit from it, but refuse to pay for licensing. The Electronic Communications Act of 2005 clearly states that it’s a criminal offence to offer electronic communications services without a valid license issued by ICASA. In addition, the annual license fees are relatively inexpensive if you consider that it will cost you 1.5% of the gross profit of your company/operation, etc.

In other words, it makes sense to apply for a license since the process is uncomplicated, relatively inexpensive and is required by law if you want to provide electronic communications services in South Africa.

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