Short answer
Yes. FirstNet holds ECS and ECNS licences (for electronic communications services and networks) from ICASA. These licences let FirstNet deploy, manage and resell network services across the country.
In detail
Licensing goes all the way to the last mile. FirstNet buys access only from fibre, mobile and wireless operators that hold ICASA licences. The wireless ones must also use approved spectrum. FirstNet does not use unlicensed Wi-Fi bridging or grey-market satellite. Its LEO satellite service runs on Eutelsat OneWeb, through partners with ICASA licences.
Other credentials and rules it follows:
- ISO 27001 for information security, and ISO 9001 for quality.
- A BBBEE Level 1 contributor.
- Each router and antenna it installs must be type-approved by ICASA.
- It handles RICA registration for each SIM-based service.
- It is listed as a Large Member of ISPA, the Internet Service Providers' Association.
FirstNet has more than 5,000 business sites under its management. It delivers over 300 new business links each month across South Africa.
Source: FirstNet Connectivity service page →
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