Telecoms to keep broadband

SIX South African telecom companies, including the MTN Group and Vodacom, will be able to keep their in-demand broadband spectrum until their licences expire in 2028, after agreeing to buy at least 30% of the government’s new Wireless Open Access Network.

Communications minister Siyabonga Cwele said yesterday an agreement had been reached with operators on May 19, after they initially opposed a government plan forcing them to ditch their broadband spectrum and share a national network.

Creating a single open-access network is at the heart of a government goal to roll out broadband access across South Africa.