Communications minister Dina Pule has outlined her department’s top five priorities and, surprisingly, the allocation of radio frequency spectrum is not among them.
The minister outlined the priorities in a presentation to parliament on Wednesday in which she outlined the department of communications’ strategic plan for the next five years.
According to Pule, the top five priorities, which were identified after “extensive engagement”, are broadband, broadcasting digital migration, e-skills, the successful launch of Postbank, and an information and communications technology (ICT) policy review.
The allocation of spectrum is one of four “lesser priorities”, the minister told parliament. The others are public and community broadcasting, ICT research and cyber security.
On spectrum, the minister said the department’s immediate focus would largely be on reviewing the current radio frequency plan in consultation with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
“Specific emphasis will be given to the spectrum requirements for security services,” Pule said. “Focus will also be given to issuing policy directions on the exploitation of the digital dividend to support ICT infrastructure and services.”
Mobile operators, in particular, are champing at the bit for access to new spectrum to build wireless broadband networks using fourth-generation technologies.
On broadband, Pule said her department would soon finalise broadband policy and strategy documents to “facilitate the deployment of broadband backbone and access infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas, with specific focus on public facilities”.
Turning to the ICT policy review, she said a review panel had started work and would “consider issues such as the events that led to the dissolution of the SABC board”.
“Over the short to medium term, the department will finalise the ICT policy review report, which will feed into the development of the draft green paper. The green paper will be followed by a white paper on national integrated ICT policy, which will inform the drafting of the National ICT Bill.” — (c) 2013 NewsCentral Media
