South Africa has a new telecoms industry body launched by leading network operators

Original Story Published by: Ntando Thukwana, www.businessinsider.co.za
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A new industry body for the telecoms sector, the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), has just been launched by South Africa's network providers who are seeking to create cohesion in the industry.

ACT, which will look after the interests of the technology and communications sectors, was set up by South Africa's big six network providers and infrastructure licensees, Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Rain, Telkom, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

Part of the association's remit is to contribute in developing conducive policies and regulations for the sector, as well as to protect telecommunications infrastructure and future investments, said Nomvuyiso Batyi, the inaugural CEO of the Association of Communication and Technology.

ACT, headed by Bayti, who previously held the role of councillor at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa for over eight years, will be chaired by Vodacom CEO, Shameel Joosub.

"We have realised that we haven't had an effective and responsive policy, especially legislation, since 2005. Then in 2016, we had the ICT whitepaper, so we have to play a proactive role because as South Africa, we are being left behind," Batyi said.