The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has no plans to introduce a new subscription television service.

This is according to Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi. He was responding to parliamentary questions from uMkhonto weSizwe party MP, Thembinkosi Siboniso Mjadu.

Mjadu asked Malatsi whether his department has any plans in place to introduce an affordable subscription satellite television service provider to compete with MultiChoice.

“The authority (Icasa) currently has no plans to introduce a subscription satellite television service,” Malatsi said.

He also said Icasa granted and issued two additional subscription service licences to Siyaya TV, and Close TV in 2015.

“The licences are valid for 15 years from the date of issue. However, none of the licences have been able to take off due to, among others, a lack of start-up capital or funding,” Malatsi said.

Asked about measures his department has put in place to combat the increase in cyberthreats, the minister said his department had established and subsequently operationalised a national Computer Security Incident Response Team in 2016, also known as the Cybersecurity Hub, in line with National Cybersecurity Policy Framework.

“The Cybersecurity Hub serves as a central point for coordinating and managing cybersecurity efforts for the private sector, and citizens.

“Through its mandate, the Cybersecurity Hub delivers various operational services, including, inter alia, incident coordination, cybersecurity assessments and advisory services, awareness building, threat exchange information with private sector industry bodies, incident response plans and other technical initiatives,” he said.

Malatsi also said the hub has led the development of a Cybersecurity Schools Toolkit for teachers, parents and learners in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education.

The hub has also led the development of a Cybersecurity Toolkit for small, medium and micro-enterprises in collaboration with the information regulator, which is freely available in digital format.

“The department further has a programme that focuses on child online protection and provides information to children, especially girls, on how to stay safe online and what to study at school to follow careers in the cybersecurity field,” he said.

Malatsi said his department has various initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity and bridging the digital divide in rural and underserved areas.

“The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa conducts Quality of Service (QoS) measurements in all provinces on an annual basis based on voice and data services.

“Where there is poor or no network coverage, the authority engages the mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide remedial action and future plans. The authority monitors the progress of these remedial actions,” the minister said.

He was responding to a question about plans the government has to improve the infrastructure supporting communication and information systems across rural and underserved areas in the country.

Malatsi also said through the 2021 spectrum auction, and in support of the SA Connect Policy, Icasa awarded spectrum to successful MNOs to increase their network coverage and quality of services for mobile operators.

“The bigger MNOs awarded the spectrum are obligated to increase their network coverage, in particular starting in under-served areas within the country before proceeding to the major cities and towns of South Africa. This obligation must be achieved by July 31, 2028,” he said.

Cape Times

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