By Celestine Okorie, Correspondent South Africa
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ( ICASA) and the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see both regulators collaborating and sharing ideas on matters of mutual interest.
The MOU was signed virtually by both regulators on Thursday, April 8, 2021. The MOU is a non-binding framework to facilitate exchange of ideas in the field of telecommunications regulation and policy for the mutual benefit of the two regulators.
“This is a momentous collaboration that illustrates the confidence that our global counterparts have in ICASA. This collaboration places the Authority on solid ground to achieve international best practices, cutting-edge regulatory approaches and further validates South Africa’s standing in the global ICT arena,” notes ICASA Chairperson, Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng.
The two regulators have further agreed to carry out a programme of information exchange and technical cooperation in the field of telecommunications and related services and facilities, in accordance with their respective national laws, regulations and international obligations, and within the framework of their respective annual budgetary appropriations and their respective mandates.
“So much can be accomplished through cooperation and the mutually respectful sharing of knowledge and experience. Today, I’m proud to have formalized our partnership with our friends in South Africa on issues of telecommunications policy, competitive markets, technological innovation, and closing the digital divide in both countries. I thank Dr. Modimoeng for his leadership and partnership and look forward to further exchanges with ICASA,” says FCC Acting Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel.
Following the signing, Dr. Modimoeng said that ICASA is looking forward to drawing lessons from the FCC, whilst also sharing the African, and in particular, the South African regulatory context, experience and lessons with the United States.
