New Regulations Aim to Make South African Connectivity More Affordable

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has welcomed amendments to the End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations (EUSSC), recently gazetted by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).  The updated regulations aim to strengthen consumer protection and make communication services more affordable and accessible.

Key provisions allow data purchased by consumers to be rolled over and provide users with the option to transfer unused data, ensuring greater flexibility and value for consumers. The regulations also support broader government efforts to enhance access to digital services and enable meaningful participation in South Africa’s digital economy.

Minister Malatsi highlighted the importance of reducing data costs, which can help households, learners, and small businesses utilize the internet more productively. Measures include reducing taxes on smart devices, encouraging competition and innovation, streamlining access to government infrastructure, and promoting infrastructure-sharing to lower network build costs.

The Minister acknowledged the contributions of civil society, consumer groups, political parties, and industry stakeholders who have advocated for proactive measures to reduce communication costs and protect user interests. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with partners to drive down data costs, improve access, and accelerate digital transformation across the country.