Making headway with DTPS & ICASA

Mon, 10/12/2018 - 16:55

A number of opportunities have unfolded over the past 18 months for WAPA to collaboratively work with the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

WAPA was invited to a discussion on ‘Rapid Deployment’ with DTPS. The concern from DTPS is that the Municipalities are interfering with rapid deployment. This has resulted in a more intense scrutiny of local Government bodies.

WAPA was also invited to the Internet for All initiative. This plan focuses on extending Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure to underserved areas, lowering the costs of being online and cheaper gadgets, digitising local content and providing ICT and digital skills.

DTPS has requested access to WAPA’s coverage maps and they are conducting a study with the CSIR to establish the location of under serviced areas. Once WAPA has received a letter from the DTPS it will be forwarded to WAPA members. Members can then send their information directly to the CSIR. The CSIR will then conduct the assessment and forward it to the SA Connect Project. This initiative may well hold some opportunities for WAPA members once SA Connect rolls out, and will also ensure that WAPA members are on the relevant databases.

In October 2018, WAPA was invited to attend the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Digital Economy Seminar hosted by the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services. A meeting was scheduled with Andile Ngcaba, FTTX Council president, to be held during AfricaCom. Hand in glove with this, WAPA is in a favourable position to assist the Deputy Minister with skills development in the industry. 

ICASA invited WAPA to their annual meeting with the inspectors to do a training session. The main message from ICASA was that WISPS should upgrade their high sites to meet ICASA standards.