ICASA Announces Public Hearings on Cell C Licence Transfer to TPC

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced public hearings concerning the transfer of control of key telecommunications licences from Cell C Limited to The Prepaid Company (Pty) Ltd (TPC). This follows Cell C’s formal application on 26 September 2023, seeking approval to transfer its Individual Electronic Communications Network Service (I-ECNS), Individual Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS), and Radio Frequency Spectrum (RFS) licences to TPC. These applications were filed under the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005, and aim to facilitate the transfer of operational control.

ICASA had previously issued a notice on 6 December 2023, inviting stakeholders and interested parties to submit written comments regarding the applications. The hearings serve as a critical step in assessing the potential impact of the licence transfers on South Africa’s telecommunications landscape. The public input gathered during the process will play a vital role in ICASA’s decision-making, ensuring that the transfer aligns with regulatory standards and the broader interests of the sector.