ACT, or the Association for Communications and Technology, said a decision to focus on updating satellite licensing regulations is flawed given that the process needs a "holistic" overhaul. ACT represents Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Rain.
Speaking on behalf of the lobby group at oral hearings into the proposed new licensing framework for satellite services in Pretoria on Wednesday, ACT head of industry research Phila Sithole said all licensees - and not only those in the satellite industry - would benefit from an improved licensing regime.
"The premise of this inquiry may be flawed," Sithole said. "ACT awaits a revised, 'technology neutral' framework for the entire sector that implements changes in a holistic manner and not just to advantage some."
ACT, in an earlier written submission to Icasa, argued that the Electronic Communications Act already makes provision for licensing satellite networks. It was not clear why Icasa felt there needed to be a review.
It also argued that of the three types of licences the new framework proposed, two were already "clearly defined" in the act, with the third - a 'space segment" registration regime - serving "no purpose".