The effect of the regulatory environment on telecommunications performance in South Africa
Date
2015
Authors
Ntombela, Simphiwe Siyabonga
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Telecommunications technology development has changed the world in very
significant ways, and more dramatically so with the advent of mobile wireless
telecommunications. The causal relationship between ubiquitous
telecommunications access and socio-economic development has been proven
empirically in research and a variety of case studies.
Two decades after mobile telecommunications services became available in South
Africa, the country has fallen behind many other nations in reaching the triple
regulatory policy objectives of ubiquitous, good quality telecommunications access,
available at affordable prices. Consequently, the proven socio-economic benefits
that stem directly from telecommunications connectivity remain largely elusive in
South Africa.
This research investigates the reasons for telecommunications regulatory policy
failures in South Africa, and looks for ways to improve that poor industry
performance on policy objectives.
This research uses interviews with purposively chosen executive leadership in the
telecommunications industry to collect data. Grounded theory is used as the primary
analysis strategy, and mathematical modelling using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping
(FCM) as a secondary one.
The principal finding of this report is that the main telecommunications policy
objectives are unlikely to be achieved simultaneously within the current industry
structure. This reality presents a tricky challenge to the regulatory authorities
because it indicates contradicting policy prescriptions.
The report discusses the regulatory options available to the authorities and provides a prognosis of their effect on the performance of the industry. The report concludes with comments on the strategic shifts that the industry players could make to meet the regulatory authorities half way.
Description
MBA 2015
Keywords
Telecommunication policy -- South Africa