South Africa’s telecommunications regulator ICASA is facing criticism for not releasing the names of bidders who have qualified to participate in the nation’s 5G spectrum auction.

ICASA had planned to release the names on February 22nd but then delayed the publication for a month, until March 23rd.

The reason given was that there had been delays in finding and appointing an independent spectrum auctioneer. Again, ICASA has declined to name the company entrusted with the task.

ICASA is holding steady to starting the auction phase on March 31st although its planned ending of the auction on the same day is clearly in doubt. There are also legal cases pending from local telco operators MTN and Telkom.

“The conclusion of a contract and appointment of the service provider for the auction remains a key factor, and we remain confident that we are not off the track but in a better position to complete the licensing of high-demand spectrum,” said ICASA chairman Keabetswe Modimoeng.

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Categories: 5G, Articles, Spectrum

Tags: 5G, icasa, south africa