ICASA Proposes Significant Cuts to Call Termination Rates in South Africa

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released draft amendments to the Call Termination Regulations of 2014 and 2018, marking a significant step in reshaping the telecommunications landscape.

The proposed changes include substantial reductions in wholesale voice call termination rates, with decreases set to take effect gradually from July 1, 2024, and further reductions by July 1, 2025.

These amendments, formulated through meticulous cost-modelling, aim to align termination rates with international standards, promoting competition and consumer benefits. The proposed regulations also address asymmetry between charges by mobile operators and international termination rates.

Stakeholders are urged to provide feedback on the draft regulations by April 2024, as ICASA seeks to create a more dynamic and consumer-centric telecommunications market, in line with the objectives of the Electronic Communications Act of 2005.