On August 14, 2026, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) issued a statement clarifying its regulatory position on the End-User and Subscriber Service Charter (EUSSC) Amendment Regulations. The clarification follows numerous stakeholder requests after ICASA’s August 11, 2026 briefing to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. In the statement, ICASA formally retracted its use of the term “collusion” in reference to licensed operators.
Background on the EUSSC Amendment Regulations
The EUSSC Amendment Regulations update the End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations, 2016, which set consumer protection standards for licensed electronic communications providers. ICASA began the amendment process in February 2024 and published the amendments on January 23, 2026, with the new rules scheduled to take effect on January 23, 2027. Provisions allowing consumers to roll over and transfer purchased data are among the most closely watched changes.
ICASA Addresses Industry Response and Retracts Collusion Remark
During its parliamentary update, ICASA acknowledged operators’ support for the consumer protection objectives of the EUSSC Regulations. At the same time, it highlighted significant alignment among operators on the substantive issues under dispute and raised concerns about this shared industry position.
ICASA has now clarified that the term “collusion” referred to its observation of what appeared to be a common experience among competing licensed operators, not evidence of coordinated or anti-competitive conduct. The Authority confirmed it has not conducted a market assessment or investigation establishing collusion, and no such finding has been made. The term has therefore been retracted.
ICASA Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Telecom Regulation
ICASA restated its commitment to evidence-based, transparent, and procedurally fair regulation that promotes competition, protects consumers, and supports a sustainable electronic communications sector. The statement does not announce any changes to the content or implementation timeline of the EUSSC Amendment Regulations.
What This Means for South Africa's ICT Regulatory Landscape
For licensed operators, the clarification removes uncertainty around potential competition concerns as the industry prepares for the amended regulations. For device manufacturers, importers, and service providers entering South Africa, it offers useful insight into ICASA’s regulatory approach, as the same Authority oversees type approval, spectrum management, and consumer protection in the electronic communications sector. Companies active in the market should monitor ICASA communications closely as the January 2027 implementation date approaches.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
South Africa
Certification Body: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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