[29 May 2026]
On May 26, 2026, the Portfolio Committee for Communications and Digital Technologies received a presentation on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2026 from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Presentation ECA Bill 2026 (Competition Matters)
[5 May 2026]
A summary of the 2026 Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, as published by Ellipsis.
[20 April 2026]
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has released the 2026 Electronic Communications Amendment Bill along with its associated explanatory overview.
Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2026
Explanatory Summary ECA Bill 2026
[7 April 2026]
The Electronic Communications Amendment Bill of 2026, previously known as the 2022 version, has received Cabinet approval for parliamentary introduction.
Electronic Communications Amendment (ECA) Bill, 2026
Cabinet has authorized the submission of the ECA Bill to Parliament. This legislation seeks to modify the Electronic Communications Act of 2005 with the primary goal of stimulating market competition and lowering consumer costs. These revisions aim to foster a more favorable investment climate by lowering entry barriers and granting ICASA greater regulatory adaptability within the industry.
Statement on the Cabinet meeting of 25 March 2026, and Special Cabinet meeting of 1 April 2026
The next phase will likely involve the Portfolio Committee for Communications and Digital Technologies releasing the draft for public review and feedback.
[4 August 2023]
The public comment period deadline on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2022 has been extended to 31 August 2023.
[23 June 2023]
Invitation to provide written comments on proposed Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2022
Memorandum on proposed Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2022
In response to the Competition Commission’s Data Services Market Inquiry Final Report (December 2, 2019), which recommended changes to the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) to promote competition and affordability, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has released draft amendments to the ECA for public feedback. These amendments, known as the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2022 (ECAB 2022), aim to implement the Competition Commission’s suggestions.
Key Changes in the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill:
- New Licensing Category:
The bill proposes a new category – Electronic Communications Facilities Service (ECFS). This will bring companies that provide infrastructure, like tower companies, under the regulation of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). - Focus on Access: The rules for leasing facilities are being revised. The principle of ensuring access will be central to deciding if an Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) or ECFS licensee must lease a facility when requested.
- Streamlined Competition Powers: The bill simplifies ICASA’s authority to investigate competition issues and enforce pro-competitive rules on licensees. It also expands opportunities for cooperation between ICASA and the Competition Commission.
- Platform for MVNOs: A new section requires certain licensees to provide a platform for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and roaming services upon request.
- Spectrum Sharing: New provisions aim to make it easier for companies to share spectrum and implement a “use-it-or-share-it” rule for spectrum licenses.
An easy-to-understand summary has been prepared for those who may find technical terms and legalese challenging.
Overview Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2022 (June 2023)
Submissions are due by 4 August 2023 and may be submitted to:
The Acting Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
For attention: Mr. A Wiltz, Chief Director, Telecommunications and IT Policy
Per email: ecabill@dcdt.gov.za