Background

The Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Bill is the result of a democratic and consultative process that began in 1999 with the publication of a Discussion Paper designed to stimulate discussion and debate. This was followed in November 2000 by the publication of a Green Paper that highlighted the numerous legal and practical issues that would need to be addressed in a Bill. In order to fast-track the process, the Department of Communications (DoC) decided to dispense with the normal procedure of publishing of a White Paper -- which would have allowed for further consultation -- and tabled the current Bill as it stands, inviting only final public comments. The deadline for submitting comments was 8 May 2002 (see bridges.org's comments to the Government at http://www.bridges.org/e-policy/sa/ect/ ).

The complex debate around telecommunications liberalization has already been faced in the developed world, and the issues now confront almost every developing country. The dilemmas are not unique to South Africa, but the current situation in this country illustrates the complex issues at stake and how real people are affected by the decisions of the government.