One cannot overestimate the potential importance of the Convergence Colloquium announced by the Department of Communications (DOC). Although a firm date was not available by the time Brainstorm went to print, it should take place on 15 and 16 July 2003 at the Sandton Hilton.

It is ten years since the National Telecommunications Forum embarked on the road of managed liberalisation. Few would disagree that the information and communication technology (ICT) policy South Africa has followed has not been effective. It may have shielded South Africa from a few of the worst impacts of the global telecommunications boom, but it has also failed to take advantage of the investment and technology opportunities. It has protected primarily Telkom, at great cost to consumers, businesses and social transformation. Many of the policy`s key goals, such as universal access, affordability, and using ICT as an engine for economic growth and global competitiveness, have not been achieved.

This will be the first post-exclusivity opportunity to review the many problems South Africa faces as a result of its ICT laws. While much of the law is excellent, much of it is well-intended but vague and ineffective, and parts of it are downright misinformed, misguided and restrictive.