South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority (ICASA) has launched an investigation into the country’s pay-television market.
The inquiry will aim to “define the relevant wholesale and retail markets or market segments in the subscription television market,” including the sector’s relationships with free-to-air broadcasters and emerging technologies.
The regulator said that it would focus on the reasons for a lack of competition in the sector, which is dominated by only a handful of operators.
“The authority has observed the failure of new market entrants to commence with licensed activities in this market and noted that only two subscription broadcasters operate despite several having been licensed,” ICASA said. “This highlights concerns of competition in the subscription television broadcasting market which appears not to be functioning effectively.”
Katharina Pillay will chair the committee leading the investigation, with a final document set to be published by the end of September this year.