Variance reasons current status

15% reduction in telecommunications costs	DoC has developed a Programme of Action to reduce the cost to communicate which was submitted to Cabinet for noting.	X			-
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Policy direction on quality of services (telecoms and broadcasting) issued to ICASA	The department reduced the Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) from peak rate of R1.25 to 89 cents which was implemented in 2010. The rates will be further reduced to 77 cents in the 2011/12 financial year	X			-	-
5% increase of household’s broadband penetration	Broadband Policy has been approved by Cabinet during the reporting period.	X			-	-
Compliance with ICASA Postal quality of service standards monitored	There was progress made on this target as it is deemed to be a regulatory matter.			X	This is a ICASA matter.	-
2% increase in the broadcasting network coverage to remote rural areas	The Department facilitated the development of communications infrastructure in under-serviced and un-served areas through conducting consultation meetings and rallying stakeholders around the uMsinga Local Municipality Broadband Initiative project.	X			-	-
Policy directive issued to ICASA, on an implementation plan for the unbundling of the local loop	The department monitored the Implementation of Local Loop Unbundling by ICASA. Meetings were held with ICASA to ascertain the progress made on the implementation of the policy direction on LLU.	X			There was no need to issue a policy directive, since it has been issued in 2007.	The Department is currently in discussions with the Regulator on the way forward regarding this matter.
Policy directive on pricing for Broadband services developed (Wireless/Satellite)	No substantial progress was made on this target			X	The Broadband Implementation Plan and the costing thereof is not yet finalised.	A process is currently underway to appoint a service provider to do the costing of broadband in SA.
Policy directive on mobile termination rate issued to ICASA, with specific reference to cost-base pricing	The target was achieved through the regulations published by ICASA with regards to reducing the Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) from peak rate of R1.25 to 89 cents which was implemented in 2010. The rates will be further reduced to 77 cents in the 2011/12 financial year.	X			-	-
Criteria for application and allocation of Universal Service Access Fund to encourage private sector infrastructure investment	The assessment on the status of USALS was conducted to identify regulatory challenges as part of development of a Business Model.		X		The criteria for application is the responsibility of USAASA and ICASA.	-
Policy instruments to separate pricing on the backbone network elements based on LRIC and/or TELRIC methodology developed	No substantial progress was made on this target			X	This is a regulatory matter to be dealt with by ICASA as required by the ECA	-
Policy direction on aligning interconnection costs for public pay phones to those of community service telephone issued to ICASA	No substantial progress was made on this target			X	This is a regulatory matter to be dealt with by ICASA as required by the ECA	DoC sought a legal opinion on the matter as is in engagement with ICASA
Comprehensive Uptake and Usage Policy, aimed at increasing mobile telephony and internet uptake developed	Draft concept document developed.		X		No HR capacity to take the matter forward.	This matter has been transferred to the PNC.