Proposed Policy Direction to the ICASA on Inquiry into need for Applications for Individual Electronic Communications Network Services Licences

On 21 May 2025, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies released a proposed Policy Direction which could reshape the regulatory landscape as we know it.  The main question being: Should new Individual Electronic Communications Network Services licences be issued to improve competition and the universal provision of electronic communication services?

Key highlights from the document:

ICASA’s inquiry will consider:

1. the demand for new IECNS licences;
2. whether new licences will promote competition and improve access to electronic communication services; and
3. whether the benefits of new licences outweigh the costs for monitoring and enforcing compliance and the burden on the environment.

If the Policy Direction is promulgated, the Minister will require ICASA to submit its report within six months.  The Minister has therefore invited interested persons to provide written comment on the proposed Policy Direction within 30 days of the publication of the proposed Policy Direction’s publication.

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