2014/15 Annual Report

Annual Report 2014/15
57
Case Study 18: Inputs into Policy & Regulation (continued)
National Integrated ICT Policy discussion paper
In February 2015, the Commission submitted inputs to the
Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services by way of
comments on the National Integrated ICT Policy Discussion Paper.
The submission covered various policy options seeking to address
competition and access issues in several ICT and telecommunications
markets, including broadband, broadcasting, infrastructure, local
loop unbundling, and spectrum management, among others. The
Commission’s submissions considered the likely impact of the various
policy options that are being considered on competition and access
with a view to ensuring that competition is enhanced and any risks are
mitigated. The Commission also commented on the complementarity
of the role of the sector regulator and competition authorities in
addressing competition and access problems bedevilling the ICT
and telecommunications sector.
National Communications Task Team
The Minister of Communications set up a National Communications
Task Team with the aim to review, among others, the regulatory
framework for the South African broadcasting industry. The Commission
was asked to provide input on the dynamics of competition in the
broadcasting sector in South Africa, with a particular focus on the
Pay-TV segment. In making submissions, the Commission considered
the likely competitive effects of the practice of exclusive contracts
in respect of premium content, technology convergence and the
facilitation of new entry and the competition implications of set-top
box interoperability.
13.3.2. Undertaking Impact Assessments
The Commission is increasingly requested by stakeholders, including
Government and trade unions, to demonstrate the impact of its interventions in
markets and the South African economy as a whole. Impact assessments have
been identified as the appropriate tool to measure or estimate the effectiveness
of the Commission’s intervention. During the period under review the division
completed four (4) impact assessments:
The Banking Enquiry Review;
The Pioneer Agro-Processing Competitiveness Fund Assessment;
The Massmart Supplier Development Fund Assessment; and
The Milk Sector review.
Details of these impact studies are provided in the section on Impact Assessments
within this report.
13.3.3. Publications, conference papers and economic briefs
The Commission published four (4) articles in local and international peerreviewed
journals, as detailed in the Table below. The Commission also
presented a number of papers at international and local conferences on topics
related to competition policy and economics. Eleven briefing papers were
prepared for internal purposes and the division facilitated two series of internal
capacity-building sessions within the Commission. The Commission also hosted
a series of seminars and a capacity-building session with external experts.
25
Tshekishi Kolobe is an analyst at Genesis Analytics, South Africa.
26
Simon Roberts is a Professor of Economics at the University of Johannesburg.