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Presentation by Smile Communications to Portfolio Committee on Communications Lee-Ann Cassie Head of Regulatory Affairs

Presentation by Smile Communications to Portfolio Committee on Communications Lee-Ann Cassie Head of Regulatory Affairs. Smile Overview Who we are?. To be a low cost telecoms operator that will reduce the cost of communisations to provide affordable communications to BoP consumers. Vision.

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Presentation by Smile Communications to Portfolio Committee on Communications Lee-Ann Cassie Head of Regulatory Affairs

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  1. Presentation by Smile Communications to Portfolio Committee on CommunicationsLee-Ann CassieHead of Regulatory Affairs

  2. Smile OverviewWho we are? • To be a low cost telecoms operator that will reduce the cost of communisations to provide affordable communications to BoP consumers Vision • In possession of a licence to provide Value- Added Network Services (VANS) Licence • A management team with a proven track record in establishing and managing successful international telecommunications, technology and media companies Track Record • Smile intends to operate in countries across Africa and the Middle East. Geography • Investor confidence - FDI • Well funded - Group fully funded for 5 years • Business Plan developed Shareholders

  3. Submission on ECA Amendment BillIntroduction • Broadly supportive of underlying intent of Bill • Submission made in terms of Smile’s Business Plan • Based on affordable & accessible communications • Focus on addressing Bottom of the Pyramid customers • Smile believes there is need for: • Government intervention in policy implementation in a developmental state, SA • Recognition of contribution to be made by Private Companies

  4. Submission on ECA Amendment BillGovt Intervention in Developmental State • Critical for Cabinet and Minister to identify strategic initiatives to increase universal service and access • Where identified, ought to be facilitated with Cabinet approval and issue of Policy Directions by Minister • Proposed amendment supportive of objects of ECA and within purport of ECA • Icasa still to licence subject to provisions of ECA • SA, despite 14 years of progress, still in developmental state • Significant gaps between “haves” and “have nots”

  5. Submission on ECA Amendment BillContribution to be made by Private Companies • Investments that will meet affordability, accessibility and availability goals of Government • Strategic initiatives can exist not only with Government and Parastatals, but also with Private Companies • Proposed amendments to be more goal focussed rather than entity focussed • Should not be a restriction on Private Companies • Government to look at Private Companies that will assist it in meeting developmental goals • Identification of initiative – process to be underpinned by commitment and sound business and technical plans of potential licensee • Commitments to be in licence conditions that will facilitate ICT infrastructure investment • Review or sunset clause

  6. Submission on ECA Amendment BillProposed Amendments • Smile suggests the following: “The Minister may, after having obtained Cabinet approval, issue a policy direction in order to- (a) Initiate and facilitate government intervention in order to ensure strategic ICT infrastructure investment; or (b) Provide for a framework for the licensing of a public entity by the Authority (c) With effect from a date to be determined by the Minister, but which shall not be more than 2 years after the commencement of this section, the provisions of section 5(13) shall lapse”

  7. Conclusion • Smile supports proposed amendment to the extent that it allows for licensing of public and private entities • Need for Governmental intervention in developmental states • Ability of Private Companies to contribute towards development in SA is not an impossibility • Proposed amendments to be goal focussed rather than entity specific

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