Details have emerged of government’s plan to create a new tariff monitoring structure in an effort to drive down telecommunications prices in SA.

Legislation is being amended to create a new tariff advisory council at the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) to help the authority’s councillors and the minister of communications find ways of cutting telecoms prices.

TechCentral has secured an early copy of the draft Icasa Amendment Bill, which was approved by cabinet last week, and which will soon be tabled in parliament for debate. The amendment bill seeks to strengthen the way Icasa is managed and give it more teeth to regulate.

The bill proposes that the position of Icasa CEO is changed to that of chief operating officer. It more clearly defines the functions of the council and the new role of the chief operating officer.

There are also amendments aimed at strengthening Icasa’s complaints and compliance committee and improving turnaround times for new regulations.

But it’s the tariff advisory council that is likely to prove most controversial — and have telecoms operators most concerned.

According to the amendment bill, the advisory council must inform Icasa on the rates charged by telecoms companies, broadcasters and postal providers.

Icasa must determine the composition of the advisory council in consultation with the minister of communications and must advise the minister, at his request or at its own initiative, on policies and best practices on reducing communications costs.

Additionally, the council must review progress in reducing communications costs, advise on pro-competitive measures that Icasa can take in respect of tariffs, and perform research and act as a forum for discussion by stakeholders on ways to reduce communications costs.

The amendment bill also seeks to clarify the role of councillors, the Icasa chairman and the chief operating officer. The council will appoint the chief operating officer, who will implement decisions of the council and perform “assigned and delegated functions and duties”.

Icasa’s complaints and compliance committee is also being improved by creating a full-time chairman position and shortening turnaround times for decisions.

Controversially, the amendment bill also gives the communications minister a say in the nomination of members of the committee. — Duncan McLeod, TechCentral