By Charmaine Ndlela
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has amended the End-User and Subscriber Charter Regulations, introducing significant changes to how unused prepaid data and airtime will be rolled over.
Under the revised regulatory framework, mobile network operators will be required to roll over unused data, voice, and SMS bundles once they reach the end of their validity period. Bundles will be consumed in order of expiry, meaning the bundle closest to expiring will be used first.
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In addition, users will be allowed to transfer bundles or portions of bundles to other users on the same network, with no limits on the frequency or amount of transfers. Where a customer is unable to use their bundle due to a network-related fault, operators will be required to extend the bundle’s validity period.
ICASA Councillor Dikeledi Catherine Mushi clarified that bundles with a validity of seven days or less– including uncapped, free, and promotional bundles– will not qualify for rollover.
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“We aim to maintain a balance in the market to keep it healthy while ensuring consumers enjoy the benefits, particularly in relation to short-term bundles,” Mushi said.
She emphasised the importance of protecting quick, affordable options such as R5 bundles, which are essential for consumers who need to make urgent calls.
The regulator also stated that mobile operators must notify users when their bundle usage reaches 50%, 80%, and 100%, enabling consumers to better manage their data consumption.
The new regulations come as a relief to many South Africans, who have long complained about the high cost of mobile data and the frustration of losing unused data when bundles expire.
According to a 2024 report by the Association of Communications and Technology, mobile data prices in South Africa are among the most affordable in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), compared to countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have welcomed the new regulations, claiming ICASA has conceded to the party’s long-standing arguments on data expiry.
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EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said on Monday that the party hailed the decision and would continue pushing for longer rollover periods to ensure affordable and accessible connectivity for all.
“This victory is the outcome of a long and deliberate campaign by the EFF, waged inside Parliament and beyond,” Thambo said.
The changes made by ICASA will come into effect on 23 January 2027.
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