Internet Service Providers' Association

What is the ISPA?

 

The Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) is a non-profit South African Internet industry organisation. It was formed in June 1996 and currently represents over 140 Internet service providers with a diverse range of services and target markets. Members include non-profit providers and educational networks, as well as commercial service providers.

 

ISPA is run by a Management Committee, made up of representatives from ISPA member organisations. The Management Committee is elected by members at ISPA's annual general meeting. ISPA maintains a web site at http://www.ispa.org.za

 

ISPA's Internet exchange

 

The ISPA is an active industry body, facilitating communication between Internet service providers in South Africa. Collaboration levels have historically been very high, leading to the formation of the Johannesburg Internet exchange (JINX) in 1996. This exchange point routes Internet traffic between different Internet access providers and serves as a means to keep South African Internet traffic within the country's borders. This reduces the costs of international Internet links and provides consumers with improved access to South African networks.

 

Regulatory and policy activities

 

Since its launch, ISPA has played an important role in the development of South Africa's telecommunications and Internet policy. ISPA has participated in policy discussions and made various presentations to policy makers in a number of important legislative processes, including:

• VANS and PTNS licensing regimes
• Facilities leasing and interconnection guidelines
• Telkom rate review
• Telecommunications Amendment Act
• Electronic Communications and Transactions Act
• Interception and Monitoring Bill
• Films and Publications Amendment Act

ISPA produces regulatory advisories on issues of importance to the industry and makes these advisories publicly available via its web site.

 

The ISPA has applied to the Department of Communications for recognition as an industry and has also made a submission to the industry recognised body (IRB) guidelines.

 

ISPA and the South Africa community

 

The Internet industry believes that it should give back to the community at large. Many of ISPA's members provide cost-based or free services to educational organisations and other non-profit organisations.

 

In 2001, ISPA launched its own social development program. Partnering with the Gauteng Department of Education and UniForum SA to provide Internet training to school-teachers, ISPA hopes to expand this program in the future.