[22 August 2025]

The Minister has published a final policy direction, giving ICASA until November 22, 2025, to start the necessary inquiry. This inquiry typically begins with a discussion document or questionnaire.

Policy direction to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa on inquiry into need for applications for Individual Electronic Communications Network Services Licences

2. Policy Direction
2.1 The Authority is hereby directed, in terms of section 3(2) of the Act, to undertake an inquiry in terms of section 4B of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, 2000 (Act No. 13 of 2000) (the ICASA Act). The inquiry should consider:
2.1.1 whether or not the implementation of the framework in the Act which allows for the transfer of individual electronic communications network services and electronic communications service licences, has been effective and efficient with regard to the promotion of competition within the sector;
2.1.2 the demand for and need to invite, accept and consider applications for new individual electronic communications network services licences;
2.1.3 whether new individual electronic communications network service licences will promote the objects of the Act and specifically improve competition in the market for individual electronic communications network services;
2.1.4 whether or not and how new individual electronic communications network service licences will contribute to universal provision of electronic communications networks; and
2.1.5 whether the benefits of new individual electronic communications network service licences outweigh the costs including the cost to the Authority of monitoring and enforcing compliance with any such licences, and the burden on the environment.
2.2 The Authority is directed to –
2.2.1 commence the inquiry within three months of the date of publication of the policy direction; and
2.2.2 submit a report to the Minister in respect of such matters as are set out in paragraph 2.1 within 14 days of making a finding as contemplated in section 4C(6) of the ICASA Act, to enable the Minister to consider whether or not to issue a further policy direction in terms of section 3 read with section 5(6) of the Act.

[23 May 2025]

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies wants ICASA to look into opening up applications for individual electronic communications network services (IECNS) licences. They’ve issued a draft policy direction to guide this investigation.

The public has until July 3, 2025, to submit written comments on this proposal. Please email your submissions to iecns@dcdt.gov.za, for the attention of Mr. A Wiltz, Chief Director, Digital Access and Services.

Proposed Policy Direction to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa on Inquiry into need for Applications for Individual Electronic Communications Network Services Licences

The draft policy direction is set out below:

2. Policy Direction

2.1 The Authority is hereby directed, in terms of section 3 of the Act, to undertake an inquiry in terms of section 4B of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, 2000 (Act No. 13 of 2000). The inquiry should consider:

2.1.1 the demand for and need to invite, accept and consider applications for new individual electronic communications network services licences;

2.1.2 whether new individual electronic communications network service licences will promote the objects of the Act and specifically improve competition in the market for individual electronic communications network services;

2.1.3 whether or not and how new individual electronic communications network service licences will contribute to universal provision of electronic communications networks; and

2.1.4 whether the benefits of new individual electronic communications network service licences outweigh the costs including the cot to the Authority of monitoring and enforcing compliance with any such licences, and the burden on the environment.

2.2 The Authority is directed to submit a report to the Minister in respect of such matters within a period of no longer than six (6) months to enable the Minister to consider whether or not to issue a further policy direction in terms of section 3 read with section 5(6) of the Act.