Prepaid mobile users in South Africa are poised to gain from new regulations introduced by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) regarding the expiry of mobile data bundles.
Starting January 23rd next year, telecommunications providers in South Africa will be mandated to allow the rollover of unused mobile data bundles. Icasa announced updated regulations that ensure consumers can roll over at least one data bundle under the same conditions as the original purchase.
Icasa Councillor Dikeledi Catherine Mushi highlighted that bundles of seven days or less—including uncapped, free, and promotional offers—will not be eligible for rollover. “We aim to maintain a balance in the market to keep it healthy while ensuring consumers can enjoy the advantages, especially regarding shorter-term bundles,” she noted. Mushi emphasised the need to protect quick, affordable options like R5 bundles, which are essential for consumers making urgent calls.
High data costs have long been a concern for South Africans. According to a 2024 report from the Association of Communications and Technology, mobile data in South Africa is among the most affordable in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) compared to Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius.
However, major mobile operators have voiced concerns regarding the potential impacts of the new regulations. Telecommunications journalist Mudiwa Gavaza pointed out that this may lead to a decline in data bundle purchases. He expressed interest in seeing how these changes might affect consumer behaviour regarding data use. “It’s worth considering whether this move will lead to an increase or decrease in data consumption,” Gavaza remarked, noting the significant rise in data usage between 2016 and 2026.
Gavaza suggested that some mobile operators may resist these regulatory changes, which have been a topic of discussion for years. Additionally, Icasa has stipulated that mobile networks must inform customers when they reach specific data usage thresholds and provide options to manage out-of-bundle fees effectively.
Affordable data remains a critical concern for many consumers in the country.
