ISPA Welcomes Judgement in Favour of Altech

29 August 2008

ISPA welcomes the judgement in the High Court in favour of Altech and the VANS industry as a whole. This was a complex matter and we will be studying the judgement and advising our members accordingly.

Most importantly, Altech’s view that the 2005 Ministerial Determinations allowed infrastructure self-provision has been upheld, as this view has been shared by ISPA and many others in the industry. ISPA congratulates Altech on their courage in taking this matter forward. While the delays caused by this matter are extremely regrettable, ISPA notes that litigation is ultimate test of the Regulator’s independence and efficacy.

ISPA urges the Department of Communications and ICASA to accept the judgement and to work together with industry to find a pragmatic basis for licence conversion to be completed as soon as possible. ISPA hopes that this will herald a new era in South African electronic communications.

Note to editors:
As the largest representative of VANS licence holders in South Africa, ISPA will make its representatives available for additional comment and interviews early next week, after having had an opportunity to study the judgement.