South African operators challenge regulator over interconnection

MTN Group, Vodacom and Cell C all intend to reduce interconnection rates across the board on March 1, whether the country’s telecoms regulator approves the proposal or not.

Cell C’s had of regulatory affairs Nadia Bulbulia told South African TV the mobile companies plan to resubmit a proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa this week (ICASA). ICASA rebuffed the operators’ original plan.

Under the suggested scheme, the three operators will reduce peak rates charged to connect phone calls between networks from 1.25 rand to 89 cents (US$0.11). Off-peak rates would remain at 77 cents.