/ 7 March 2000

1800 GSM OPEN TO ALL NETWORKS

CELLULAR network companies Vodacom and MTN will be given access to the sought-after 1800 GSM spectrum provided they fulfil certain conditions, government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe said on Monday. The cabinet has ruled that the spectrum cannot be reserved solely for SA’s third cellular network operator, scuppering plans by the chosen bidder, Cell C, to lobby for sole access to the cost-effective frequency at public hearings next week. Satra would have to judge if MTN and Vodacom had met the criteria laid down by government, he said.