Parliament, Thursday, 20 August 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has extended by one month the deadline for written submissions on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B12 – 2026], providing members of the public, industry stakeholders and other interested parties with additional time to scrutinise the proposed amendments and make their views known.
The new deadline for written submissions is 16:00 on Monday, 21 September 2026. The committee encourages all interested parties, including members of the public, industry bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, to use the additional period to participate meaningfully in the parliamentary process and contribute their views on the proposed changes to the electronic communications regulatory framework.
The Bill was tabled in Parliament by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies on 20 April 2026. It seeks to amend the Electronic Communications Act, 2005, to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the electronic communications sector and address several issues affecting competition, infrastructure deployment, spectrum access and consumer choice.
Among other things, the Bill seeks to enable the Minister responsible for local government to make a national standard by-law on the rapid deployment of electronic communications networks and facilities. It also seeks to introduce the “use it or share it” principle for spectrum, regulate roaming and mobile virtual network operator services, improve the facilities-leasing framework, provide for wholesale pricing rules and standards, and strengthen competition regulation.
Those making written submissions are requested to indicate whether they wish to make an oral presentation to the committee. Written submissions and enquiries should be directed to the Committee Secretary, Mr Thembinkosi Ngoma, by email at tngoma@parliament.gov.za or on 083 709 8407.
Copies of the Bill are available on the Parliament website at www.parliament.gov.za and may also be requested from the Committee Secretary.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MS KHUSELA SANGONI DIKO.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Justice Molafo
Mobile: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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