The unbundling of the local loop, the last mile connectivity such as the copper lines that connect homes and businesses to Telkom\u2019s network, is \u201clong overdue\u201d and \u201chas to be dealt with\u201d.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the word from Pakamile Pongwana, who was recently appointed as CEO of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).<\/p>\n
Questioned about statements made by Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko that he is preparing to fight local loop unbundling (LLU), Pongwana\u2019s response was blunt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is Icasa that regulates, not Telkom,\u201d Pongwana said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is that Telkom has been fighting LLU for years,\u201d Pongwana said. \u201cIt may have to happen anyway, whether they fight it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pongwana said that an important question they are dealing with is whether LLU will still have the desired effect.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an old concept,\u201d Pongwana said, adding that an impact assessment may be necessary to find the best way to go about implementing LLU in South Africa.<\/p>\n
Asked about the readiness of Icasa to implement LLU, Pongwana said that the regulations have been prepared.<\/p>\n
Pongwana said that Icasa has had discussions with and received feedback from all the stakeholders and all that remains is for the final regulations to be published.<\/p>\n
Local Loop Unbundling regulations get new deadline<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Telkom is wrong about LLU: Ispa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n