Transformation is needed in the telecommunications industry, says Deputy Communications and Digital Technology Minister Philly Mapulane.Mapulane says the policy proposal that is in the works seeks to empower SMMEs in the ICT sector.The telecommunications industry in South Africa must undergo radical transformation to address the current market domination by a few companies.
To address this issue, Mapulane added the Department of Communications and Digital Technology was currently putting the final touches to its next-generation spectrum policy. Last year, spectrum was auctioned off to big mobile network operators which is being used to create wider and more stable networks by telecommunications companies such as Vodacom, MTN and Telkom.Mapulane said most of the spectrum sold in the auction went to MTN and Vodacom, the two biggest telecommunications companies operating in South Africa.
In addition to the changes being introduced for spectrum allocation, Mapulane said a new regulatory framework would be introduced for SMMEs operating within the ICT sector.