The Xolani Gwala Show

The government's information and communications technology (ICT) policy continues to face criticism, despite claims that all stakeholders are on board.

The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) says it's gained full support from the private sector for its proposed ICT plan.

We now seem to have the support of all the role players.

— Siya Qoza, Spokesperson fot the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services

However, it appears there is still no full consensus from the technology sector on the wholesale open-access network proposal for radio spectrum.

The white paper suggests that a single wireless open-access network be created to offer broadband to all market players, with control and management of radio frequency spectrum in the hands of the DTPS.

Meanwhile, tech expert Duncan McLeod says the ICT proposal will create a new infrastructure monopoly in the telecomms sector.

I think the whitepaper is going to take us backwards. It's proposing an infrastructure monopoly.

— Duncan McLeod, TechCentral Editor

McLeod advises that there should be competition between internet service providers and network infrastructure operators.

Take a listen to the guests discuss the infrastructure roll-out, digital divide and other challenges: