Pre-selection for South African WiMAX auction

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) will only consider auctioning WiMAX spectrum after compiling a shortlist of prospective bidders. The decision follows hearings conducted by Icasa in March in relation to access to the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands. Icasa has said, ‘we have decided that a two-step process will be adopted, there will be a pre-qualification phase beauty contest which may be followed by an auction’. Factors that will help prospective licensees be shortlisted include their empowerment credentials and the level of black participation and management level with Icasa stating a minimum 51% of equity be held by black South Africans.