The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has introduced groundbreaking regulations aimed at ensuring wider access to non-profit content by mandating mobile network operators (MNOs) like Vodacom and MTN to zero-rate such content.
Following the auction of radio frequency spectrum in March 2022, Icasa has mandated that all successful bidders, including Vodacom and MTN, must zero-rate qualifying content from public benefit organisations (PBOs). This move is poised to democratize access to essential information and services provided by non-profits across South Africa.
Radio frequency spectrum, the backbone of mobile networks' wireless capacity, was auctioned earlier, generating approximately R14.5 billion in revenue for the national fiscus. Vodacom and MTN emerged as significant bidders, collectively investing over R10 billion in acquiring spectrum.
Under the new regulations, PBOs, including non-profit organizations, trusts, and government departments with .gov.za domain names, are eligible to apply for zero-rating of their content. Icasa will assess these applications to ensure compliance with set criteria, and once approved, MNOs must zero-rate the content within 14 business days.
However, there are certain restrictions in place to manage the usage of zero-rated content. The content quality must not exceed 480p (standard definition), and any content embedded in sites or hosted outside South Africa will not be eligible for zero-rating. Additionally, to prevent abuse, users will be subject to daily and monthly usage limits of 300MB and 2GB, respectively, per network provider.
The obligation for MNOs to zero-rate PBO content comes with a timeframe of 36 months, starting from January 15, 2024. This timeframe underscores the urgency and commitment to expanding access to vital non-profit services and information across the country.
While the initiative marks a significant step towards digital inclusion and social impact, it also places responsibility on MNOs to monitor and report any misuse of zero-rated content to Icasa. This ensures that the system remains fair and transparent, benefiting both users and content providers.
In summary, Icasa's new regulations represent a paradigm shift in leveraging technology for social good, compelling major MNOs like Vodacom and MTN to contribute to broader societal welfare by facilitating access to non-profit content.
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