Latest news with #PortfolioCommitteeonCommunicationsandDigitalTechnologies
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Mobile networks summoned to Parliament over data costs and connectivity gaps
SA's cellphone network providers are set to face tough questions from Communications Committee on compliance, equity, and readiness for future licence renewals Image: File South Africa's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has summoned major mobile network operators; Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, and Rain to appear before it on Friday. This oversight session is part of Parliament's constitutional responsibility to balance government oversight with industry evaluation, especially in relation to pressing national priorities. The committee's mandate is twofold: to oversee the MNOs' adherence to South African legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks, and to assess how the evolving telecommunications landscape supports investment and economic growth. As the nation grapples with various socio-political challenges and rapid technological advancements, the focus will be on drawing recommendations to foster a conducive environment for progress. During the session, the MNOs are expected to brief the committee on their progress in addressing critical challenges faced by the populace. Among the issues listed for discussion are: Strategies for reducing the cost of data services Network connectivity standards, especially in rural areas Contributions to job creation and economic inclusion, particularly for historically disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities Measures to enhance data security and privacy Compliance with universal service obligations and incremental improvements in school connectivity Adherence to directives laid out by the Competition Commission As the licences of these MNOs are set to be renewed within the next three years, the committee is keenly aware of the crucial role these companies play in meeting the targets set forth in the National Development Plan, which aims for universal connectivity by 2030. The Chairperson of the committee, Khusela Sangoni Diko, emphasised, 'To this end, it is essential that, as a country, we seize the opportunities presented by rapid technological advancement to ensure no one is left behind.' This upcoming oversight session is not just a routine check-in; it highlights the imperative for MNOs to actively contribute to South Africa's socio-economic landscape while navigating existing legislative frameworks. The outcomes of this meeting could shape the future trajectory of the telecommunications industry in South Africa, defining how it will evolve to better serve the diverse needs of its citizens. IOL
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Starlink and South Africa: No exceptions in telecom regulation reform
On Tuesday, Minister Solly Malatsi appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies to justify his directive, which seeks to 'align' the Electronic Communications Act and the ICT Sector Code. Image: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/AFP The Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) has welcomed the recent directives from the Minister of Communication, Solly Malatsi regarding the alignment of ICASA's empowerment regulations with the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code. On Tuesday, Malatsi appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies to justify his directive, which seeks to 'align' the Electronic Communications Act and the ICT Sector Code. "This policy development, coupled with a proposed inquiry into the necessity of I-ECNS licence applications, marks a pivotal moment for South Africa's telecommunications sector, potentially reshaping the landscape of competition and transformation," ACT said in a statement. As the industry stands on the brink of significant regulatory reforms, ACT said it urges that these changes be implemented with transparency, consistency, and equitable enforcement of the law. "If executed properly, this approach could herald a new era for the sector, fostering an environment conducive to both innovation and investment. At the heart of ACT's response is a strong endorsement for the Minister's initiative to have ICASA formally acknowledge Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs)," the Association further said. The organisation is poised to make comprehensive submissions reflecting its commitment to bridging regulatory ambiguities between ICASA's ownership rules and the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code. 'We support efforts that contribute to the resolution of regulatory complexities while promoting South Africa's transformation agenda,' Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of ACT said. ACT added that it advocates for innovative, scalable solutions that not only deliver impactful results but also restore policy transparency and bolster investor confidence. "The Association firmly believes that increased competition, particularly in terms of connectivity solutions to underserved communities, is a vital component of this growth. We are particularly supportive of frameworks that ensure all operators, whether terrestrial or satellite, navigate the same regulatory landscape,' Batyi said. "This is essential for fostering a sustainable and competitive digital economy that can adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. We have consistently been on the pulse of this issue. We've supported the rollout of satellite technology in South Africa, within the same rules that everyone else follows,' Batyi added. Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned Malatsi's recent actions aimed at enabling Elon Musk's satellite company to operate in South Africa without adhering to local ownership laws. The party expressed deep concern over what it described as an unlawful attempt to bypass legislation designed to protect local economic interests and transformation. This 'alignment' would allow foreign entities to operate without complying with the 30% local ownership requirement mandated by law for previously disadvantaged groups. Instead, the EFF said Malatsi wants Starlink to use 'Equity Equivalents' under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, an approach the EFF describes as an 'anti-transformation participation' strategy. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said: "In what can only be described as an unlawful attempt at subverting the powers of the Parliament of South Africa by using a Ministerial Policy Directive, Minister Malatsi characterises the amendments he wants to make to two Acts of Parliament as regulatory alignment." Trade union, Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) said it will be engaging with the relevant Departments for Communications and Digital Technologies as well as Trade, Industry and Competition to seek assurance that any such proposals remain in line with existing legislation, in particular the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act, as well as the constitutional imperative to advance transformation across all sectors of the economy. The union said it noted the excitement on social media about Starlink. "As a Federation we remain guided by the law and will at all times jealousy guard its supremacy, and our transformation journey as mandated by the electorate and guided by the Constitution. The Federation's primary concerns remain defending and creating badly needed jobs, spurring economic growth, tackling anti-competitive monopolistic practices, advancing socio-economic transformation and affirming the rule of law."
eNCA
28-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Debate over gazetted ICT policy changes continues
JOHANNESBURG - Communications Minister Solly Malatsi is defending his recently gazetted policy directive. It seeks to formally recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes in the ICT sector. The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies says the minister has no powers to effect such a change, which has been criticised as opening a backdoor for Elon Musk's Starlink. The policy change could allow companies in the Information and Communications sector to operate without 30% black ownership. The department, however, says the move has nothing to do with Elon Musk's Starlink.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
South Africa not giving 'special dispensation' to Musk's Starlink, minister says
JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said on Tuesday that his proposed draft policy that recognises alternatives to Black ownership requirements was not only meant for Elon Musk's Starlink. Last Friday, Malatsi's department proposed the recognition of so-called 'equity equivalent' investment programmes in the information and communication technology sector, which could encourage SpaceX's Starlink and other communications companies to operate in the country. 'I am pretty clear that transformation is sacrosanct in our country, that it's a non-negotiable in order for the country to achieve its aspirations,' the minister told a parliamentary briefing. 'We are not attempting to open a special dispensation for Starlink or any other company or an individual.' South Africa's Electronic Communications Act requires foreign-owned communications companies to sell 30% of equity in their local subsidiaries to historically-disadvantaged groups to obtain an operating licence, a provision criticised by Starlink and other companies. The draft policy has drawn criticism from the opposition and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, who have said that it was going too far to appease foreign businesses like Starlink.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
South Africa Clarifies Policy Not Just for Starlink
JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said on Tuesday that his proposed draft policy that recognises alternatives to Black ownership requirements was not only meant for Elon Musk's Starlink. Last Friday, Malatsi's department proposed the recognition of so-called 'equity equivalent' investment programmes in the information and communication technology sector, which could encourage SpaceX's Starlink and other communications companies to operate in the country. 'I am pretty clear that transformation is sacrosanct in our country, that it's a non-negotiable in order for the country to achieve its aspirations,' the minister told a parliamentary briefing. 'We are not attempting to open a special dispensation for Starlink or any other company or an individual.' South Africa's Electronic Communications Act requires foreign-owned communications companies to sell 30% of equity in their local subsidiaries to historically-disadvantaged groups to obtain an operating licence, a provision criticised by Starlink and other companies. The draft policy has drawn criticism from the opposition and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, who have said that it was going too far to appease foreign businesses like Starlink.
