South African mobile network operators (MNOs) are briefing parliament today on their progress in resolving public concerns within the sector, notably data costs.
The following issues will also be considered: network connectivity standards in rural areas, contributions to job creation, transformation, and economic inclusion and empowerment for blacks in general, women, youth, and people with disabilities, data security and privacy, adherence to universal service obligations, and spectrum conditions for universal connectivity, including school connectivity.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies said earlier this week that it is mandated to conduct a review of how industry, specifically MNOs, supports national priorities while adhering to South Africa's legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks.
The committee's chairperson, Khusela Sangoni Diko, said in a statement that with the MNOs' licences up for renewal in the next three years, the committee remains grateful for the catalytic role the MNOs continue to play in achieving the National Development Plan's target of universal coverage and connectivity by 2030.
Today, Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), posted on Linkedin while in parliament that MNOs were appearing before the Portfolio Committee to demonstrate how, 'as the backbone of our digital economy, telcos are powering progress - from the densest urban hubs to the most remote rural corners'.
ACT represents South African operators in non-competitive industry matters. It represents Cell C, Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Rain, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
She continued: “This oversight session is part of Parliament’s vital role in driving accountability. It’s also an opportunity to spotlight how the sector is: bringing data costs down while investing billions to meet rising demand, lighting up rural communities with essential connectivity, creating jobs, enabling SMMEs, and driving transformation for women, youth and persons with disabilities.”
Batyi said other challenges that need to be addressed include prioritising data protection and security in an increasingly digital world, meeting spectrum and universal service requirements with meaningful impact in schools and underprivileged areas, and reacting to Competition Commission directives with transparency and resolve.
“As ACT, we recognise that oversight and innovation go hand in hand. Our members are not just connecting devices - they’re connecting people, opportunities, and a future we all believe in,” Batyi said.
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