The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has launched an investigation into the lack of competition in South Africa’s pay-TV sector.

During the investigation Icasa hopes to determine why so few pay-TV services have launched in South Africa.

At present, the only pay-TV services which are active in South Africa are DStv and StarSat.

According to a report on TechCentral, Katherina Pillay will chair the committee which will lead the investigation.

During a briefing this morning Pillay noted that the investigation formed part of Icasa’s mandate to ensure the broadcasting market is open, sustainable and competitive.

“This inquiry is intended to address concerns raised by industry stakeholders,” Pillay said. The authority also hopes to determine why multiple attempts to introduce competition have failed.

Throughout the investigation the regulatory body will gather information through a series of questionnaires, meetings with stakeholders and written submissions.

Questionnaires will appear on the authority’s website from next week.

Icasa added that it will publish a discussion document in September that will be open for public comment.

Provided all stakeholders adhere to deadlines, Icasa hopes to conclude the investigation before the end of the year.

Icasa also noted that it will be working closely with the Competition Commission throughout the process.

We have asked DStv for comment on the investigation but had received no response at time of writing.

[Via – TechCentral]