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South Africa: Authorities unfairly favored rival, says Cell C

By  |  August 7, 2014

South African wireless operator Cell C has told reporters that the nation’s Independent Communications Authority unfairly favored one of its rivals in a recent spectrum grab.

According to reports, the Icasa awarded Cell C rival MTN with additional frequency spectrum without making it clear that the spectrum was available to all competitors.

”Icasa did not follow due process in relation to a scarce resource as it accepted an application from MTN without making it clear that the 5MHz was available to all parties on a ‘first come first served’ basis,” the company said. “Had they done so we would have considered it seriously.”

Cell C argues that the spectrum award gave its rival a clear competitive advantage. The company, along with Vodacom, Neotel and Smile Communications, filed an objection against the deal with Icasa, reports say.

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