ICASA asks licensees to open services to all South Africans

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has asked telecommunications companies to offer free or affordable data to their customers, and broadcasters to make their services available to all South Africans. This is in an effort to keep South Africans informed and updated as the novel coronavirus continues to spread.

The regulatory body says as more and more South Africans practice social distancing, there will be an increase in data usage as people will work and carry out their daily activities from home. ICASA's acting chairperson Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng said in a statement: "In this context, it is therefore critical that the authority considers regulatory concessions or relaxations to enable the sector to meet the demands of the business unusual environment occasioned by the pandemic," said.