The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has taken action against Session Telecoms Proprietary Ltd (Session) for failing to adhere to the country’s Numbering Plan Regulations.
This decision came after a complaint from MTN, which triggered an investigation by ICASA’s Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC). MTN filed its complaint in April 2023, alleging that Session was improperly using numbering resources assigned by the authority.
ICASA noted that the allegations included common practices associated with interconnect bypass operations. Specifically, these practices involved Calling Line Identification manipulation (essentially caller ID spoofing), call refilling, and SIM-boxing—methods that reroute incoming international calls to appear local.
Following a thorough investigation and hearings held from September 2023 to October 2025, the CCC presented its findings to ICASA. On 18 June 2026, ICASA accepted these recommendations, concluding that Session had violated the Numbering Plan Regulations.
ICASA determined that Session breached Regulation 6(3)(f) by using invalid numbers or numbers not assigned to them, and Regulation 6(3)(g) by not ensuring effective and efficient use of the allocated numbers. The investigation also found that communication routes through MTN’s network were not properly utilised.
Catherine Mushi, chair of the Numbering Plan Resources Committee, emphasised the need for compliance to maintain the integrity, efficiency, and security of the national numbering system. She stated, “Numbering resources are a limited national asset and must be managed properly by licensed operators to ensure reliable electronic communication services.”
In light of the CCC’s recommendations, which took into account the nature and duration of the non-compliance, as well as any financial gains from the misconduct, ICASA imposed a fine of US$183,859 for each regulation violated, totalling US$367,719.
In addition to the financial penalties, ICASA has mandated several corrective measures for Session as suggested by the CCC:
- Session must halt any further violations of the Numbering Plan Regulations.
- Affected numbering resources are restricted to sustain the integrity of electronic communication networks.
- Where suitable, these numbering resources will be withdrawn.
- ICASA will closely monitor Session’s compliance with these directives.
- Session is required to submit monthly compliance reports for the next two years.
ICASA expressed that this decision underscores the importance of adhering to Numbering Plan Regulations and reflects its commitment to the appropriate allocation and management of numbering resources within the telecommunications industry.
The authority also indicated that this ruling serves as a warning against the misuse of numbering resources while fostering fair competition, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.
