• The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) increases telecom fees by 3.2%, effective April 1, 2026.

• Operators face rising regulatory and investment costs, particularly linked to 5G rollout.

• Telkom announces tariff increases of up to 10%, signaling pass-through to consumers.

The South African telecommunications regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), approved an increase in all levies applicable to the electronic communications sector. Authorities published the new tariffs in the Government Gazette on Friday, March 20, and they will take effect on April 1.

According to the regulatory notice, authorities aligned the adjustments with inflation, applying a 3.2% increase based on the consumer price index. The revised fees cover a wide range of charges, including spectrum licenses, service authorizations, and terminal equipment certification procedures.

Broad-based cost increase for the industry

The tariff update affects the entire value chain. Certification fees, which companies must pay before importing and marketing any device, will rise from 6,526 rand to 6,735 rand per certified model.

Regulation requires manufacturers to certify each smartphone or network device individually before commercialization. Authorities also raised costs linked to labeling and technical modifications, which could weigh on manufacturers and importers with extensive product portfolios.

Telkom example: an immediate pass-through to consumers

The market has already reacted to the regulatory decision. Illustrating industry concerns, Telkom has announced higher mobile and fixed tariffs effective April 1. The operator plans to raise mobile plan prices (FreeMe, FlexOn, Infinite) by an average of 6.5%, which is double the regulator’s increase.

In detail, the company will increase fiber subscriptions and fixed-line services by 6%, while legacy voice products will jump by 10%. Telkom attributes these measures to rising operating costs and the need to sustain network investments.

A complex equation for digital penetration

The situation highlights a core industry challenge: operators must balance infrastructure profitability with affordability. While regulators align fees with economic cycles, operators face heavy capital expenditure requirements for 5G and pass these costs on to end users.

For South African consumers, the cumulative increases risk slowing digital inclusion, as data and device costs remain a major social concern. Notably, ICASA already implemented a 5.4% increase in April 2025, confirming a structural upward trend in digital service costs in the country.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English  by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum