The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) is yet to issue
licences for regional commercial radio stations almost two years after
inviting bids, writes Thabiso Mochiko in Business Report.
Icasa's spokesperson, Sekgoela Sekgoela, said yesterday the communications regulator had "finished giving reasons with regards to the licensing of operators in the secondary market. However, certain internal processes still need to be gone through before an announcement can be made."
Consortiums led by businessmen Given Mkhari of MSG Africa and Nat Kekana of Mowana Investments are vying for the licences in Limpopo and North West, respectively.
In 2005 Icasa invited firms to bid for commercial licences in the North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal already have commercial radio stations.
Icasa has gained a reputation of operating at a snail's pace because there are several regulations that if implemented, could have a positive impact on the telecommunications industry and boost the economy.
Click here to read the full report, posted on Business Report's website.ÂÂÂ
