The Wireless Access Providers Association (WAPA) today launched proceedings in the High Court of South Africa aimed at bringing much-needed clarity to the Value Added Network Service (VANS) industry and the rights of holders of VANS licenses. WAPA is requesting the High Court to make a declaratory order regarding the rights of such VANS licensees to "self-provide", i.e. to roll out their own networks without the need to lease infrastructure or electronic communications facilities from Telkom or other major licensees.

Press Release by the Wireless Access Providers' Association, Monday 7 April, Cape Town The Wireless Access Providers' Association (WAPA) has launched legal action, seeking a high court declaratory order to clarify the rights of Value Added Network Service Provider (VANS) licensees. May VANS license holders build their own network infrastructure? This has been a topic of debate for a while and is probably the most important question in the introduction of competition in South Africa's historically monopolistic telecommunications market. Should the outcome of the declaratory pro