The Independent Communications of South Africa Authority (ICASA) confirmed that it has \u201csealed and seized WBS [and hence iBurst] radio communication equipment at six Gauteng sites\u201d.<\/p>\n
iBurst\u2019s network went down on Wednesday morning after ICASA confiscated some of the company\u2019s core network equipment hosted in the MTN Gallo Manor data centre and other sites in Gauteng.<\/p>\n
This action by ICASA lead to a widespread outage on the iBurst network, but the company started to bypass the affected areas to bring clients back online.<\/p>\n
To date ICASA was mum on the issue, but has now issued a press statement to clarify its position.<\/p>\n
ICASA confirmed that has sealed and seized WBS radio communication equipment at six Gauteng sites. It is also not happy that WBS\/iBurst is allegedly fixing the network.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Authority\u2019s inspectors are conducting tests to verify allegations that WBS has or is reconnecting the affected radio-communication equipment,\u201d ICASA said.<\/p>\n
ICASA explained that it adopted a hard-line approach to non-compliance with regard to the collection of outstanding radio frequency licence fees in October 2012.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result, ICASA inspectors commenced with investigations that led to the crackdown on WBS earlier this week,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Authority\u2019s action against WBS forms part of a national drive to recover all outstanding licence fees from electronic communications, broadcasting and postal licensees.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo this end, the Authority has been engaging several affected licensees to make payment arrangements for all outstanding radio spectrum licence fees.\u201d<\/p>\n
DA welcomes Icasa WBS action<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n iBurst network problems: the real story<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Illegal\u2019 spectrum usage battle<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Broadlink\/iBurst denies illegal spectrum usage<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n