THURSDAY, 11.30AM
THE SA Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has warned parastatal telecoms monopoly Telkom against claiming a monopoly over internet access until Satra has decided whether the internet falls into the category of telecommunications over which Telkom has a statutory monopoly.
Satra is currently adjudicating a dispute between Telkom and the Internet Service Providers’ Association arising from Telkom’s claim to a five-year monopoly over internet services. Satra said on Wednesday that Telkom may not claim exclusivity until the terms have been properly defined and a decision reached on how they affect Telkom’s licence.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
DEBT CANCELLED GERMANY has signed an agreement with Mozambique in which $68,3-million in debt will be written off, while another $42,2-million will be rescheduled for repayment over 23 years, with three years’ grace.
SWAZIS GET VAT SWAZILAND will introduce value added tax, finance ministry official Noreen Maphalala said on Wednesday. She said the decision was taken after a favourable feasibility study, and it is in line with developments in other Southern African Development Community member states.
MORE RAIN COSTS FARMERS INLAND farmers face big financial losses asfter recent unseasonal rains delayed harvests. The Free State and Transvaal Agricultural unions said the derlays will lead to farmers paying additional interest on loans. The Weather Bureau has predicted more rain over inland regions.