Communications regulator Icasa on Wednesday moved to caution those involved in various efforts to rescue mobile operator Cell C that any deal must meet “regulatory compliance requirements”.

In a statement, Icasa said it has taken note of the various possible transactions pertaining to Cell C. These include a possible buyout offer from Telkom, a planned recapitalisation led by the Buffet Consortium and an expanded agreement with MTN South Africa, which is expected to be concluded soon.

“Icasa appreciates and welcomes the efforts and measures being taken to ensure the continued existence of Cell C,” the regulator said.

“This is primarily because Icasa believes that the failure of Cell C would have adverse effects on the stability of South Africa’s ICT sector and undermine the public policy objectives of ensuring that the South African public has access to a wide range of communications services at affordable prices.”

It said it has yet to notified of any transactions by any of the affected licensees.

“In this regard, Icasa would like to caution all parties to ensure that the necessary regulatory compliance requirements pertaining to purported transactions are adequately fulfilled.” — (c) 2019 NewsCentral Media