Members of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies expressed disappointment this week with MTN and Rain for failing to meet the minimum connectivity target for public service institutions under their spectrum licence obligations.
The committee called for consequences against operators that fail to fulfil their universal access and service obligations (UASOs).
The committee raised its concerns after a briefing on Tuesday by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on implementing UASOs attached to spectrum licences awarded in 2022. According to ICASA, only 10 851 of the 21 878 public service institutions targeted for internet connectivity had been connected nationally by March 2026, representing 49.1% compliance. The institutions include schools, healthcare facilities, libraries and tribal authorities.
Of the five successful spectrum bidders – Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Liquid and Rain – only Vodacom, Telkom and Liquid had achieved the minimum connectivity threshold of 65% of their respective targets. MTN and Rain had failed to meet this threshold.
Members expressed concern that the slow pace of implementation was undermining the objective of using spectrum allocation to expand internet access, particularly at public institutions that provide essential services to communities.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Khusela Sangoni-Diko, emphasised the need for accountability when operators fail to comply with their licence conditions. “Delinquents should be referred to the Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC),” Ms Sangoni-Diko said.
The call highlights the need for ICASA to use the appropriate regulatory mechanisms to address non-compliance and ensure that operators meet their obligations. The committee’s concern is that spectrum licence conditions must translate into tangible public benefits rather than remain commitments on paper.
The connectivity targets allocated to the five operators are 8 131 for Vodacom, 7 390 for MTN, 3 103 for Telkom, 2 956 for Rain and 298 for Liquid. These obligations require operators to extend internet connectivity to public service institutions as part of their contribution to universal access and service. The committee noted that reliable internet connectivity at schools, healthcare facilities and other public institutions is important for improving access to information, digital learning and public services.
Members also received a briefing on the operators’ obligation to zero-rate mobile content for approved Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) and websites using the gov.za domain.
Zero-rating enables users to access approved online content without incurring mobile data charges, helping reduce affordability barriers to essential information and services. ICASA reported that the obligation will take effect in January 2027. The regulator has received 69 zero-rating applications and has approved 51 to date.
Justice Molafo
13 October 2026
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