STAATSKOERANT, 24 JANUARIE 2014
No. 37261
Policy Questions:
How can the provisions for ministerial policy directives be improved without undermining the
independence of ICASA? What changes would safeguard the regulator's independence and
at the same time ensure transparent interaction between ICASA and government? What
other mechanisms could be used to ensure alignment between policy and regulation?
2. Is the existing structure of ICASA appropriate to regulate the converged environment? How
should ICASA be funded?
3 The provisions dealing with universal service and access are contained in all the
communication laws and policies. Is the institutional arrangement between the decision
makers adequate to fulfill the universal service and access provisions?
4. The provisions of the Electronic Communications Act on Universal Service Fund separate
the management of the Fund from the determination of under-serviced areas. The definition
of needy persons is also separated from the management of the Fund. Is this the best
mechanism to promote effective use of the Fund? What measures can be developed to
foster cooperation?
5. The domain names are taking on increasing importance as their commercial value rises,
and as global internet and e-commerce increase. Cyber-squatting took on global proportions
until regulatory regimes dealt with the registration of names by persons not entitled to them.
Should South African names that are intrinsically of national importance or relevance be
treated differently from corporate or brand names for reasons of public interest.
1.
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