THE Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) on Friday requested land line operator Telkom to give a written undertaking not to implement its proposed rate increases on January 1, 2002. ”Should Telkom not comply with the authority’s request, Icasa’s attorneys have been instructed to approach the high court on an urgent basis for appropriate relief,” it said. Icasa announced last month that it had implemented a new rate regime for Telkom. The regime limits the amount by which Telkom can increase tariffs in order to protect consumer interests in a monopoly environment. Earlier this week Telkom asked Icasa to withdraw a request for the group to refile its 2002 tariffs by December 10. It said it had correctly notified the authority of its 2002 tariffs on November 14, 2001. ”On November 26 Icasa promulgated new regulations and requested Telkom to refile its tariffs in accordance with these new regulations. ”The regulations promulgated by Icasa on November 26 are defective and Telkom is currently engaged in discussion with them with a view to remedy these defects such that new regulations can apply in 2003,” Telkom said on Monday. Icasa has given Telkom until 11am on Tuesday to give the written undertaking. – Sapa