The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA“) has withdrawn its notice wherein it had communicated its intention to conduct an inquiry into the affordability of telecommunications services in South Africa. The notice had been published in terms of section 4B of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act 13 of 2000 (“the ICASA Act“).
The purpose of the inquiry was to address concerns which persist regarding the affordability of voice and broadband services, particularly for low-income households, rural communities, youth, and informal sector workers.
The inquiry would have investigated the affordability of telecommunication services in South Africa and potential regulatory or market interventions, in terms of section 4B of the ICASA Act.