ICASA to hear submissions in mobile broadband services inquiry on 26-27 October
October 22nd 2020
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will hold public hearings in relation to the Discussion Document on Mobile Broadband Services Inquiry from 26 to 27 October. Interested parties can join the hearings virtually via Microsoft Teams. ICASA received ten written submissions on the Discussion Document, eight of which have indicated their willingness to participate in the public hearings to be held by the Authority. All the written submissions are up on the ICASA website.
The Mobile Broadband Services Inquiry assesses competition in the provision of mobile broadband services. The high cost of data services in South Africa remains a growing concern for consumers and businesses. Competition between operators should mean that users get larger data bundles but do not pay more, and mobile operators’ revenues are flat. This inquiry follows the completion of the priority markets inquiry in 2018, when ICASA identified broad markets for mobile services (retail market for mobile services and wholesale supply of mobile network services, including relevant facilities) for prioritisation for a market review.
The Authority still holds the view that this process will contribute positively to the broader government initiative of ensuring universal access to and affordable broadband services for everyone, as envisaged by the National Development Plan.
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