• make regulations and policies that govern broadcasting and telecommunications
• issue licenses to providers of telecommunication services and broadcasters
• monitor the environment and enforce compliance with rules, regulations and policies
• hear and decide on disputes and complaints brought by industry or members of the public against licensees
• plan, control and manage the frequency spectrum and
• protect consumers from unfair business practices, poor quality services and harmful or inferior products.

It is the policy of the Government of South Africa that all people should have access to basic communication services at affordable prices. The role of ICASA as a regulator is central to achieving this goal. The Authority promotes the attainment of universal service and access by putting requirements in operator’s licenses to roll out services in under-serviced areas and ensuring that licensees contribute to the Universal Service Fund. ICASA does not however administer the Universal Service Fund, but merely receives monies on behalf of the Universal Service Agency (USA)

The Authority is also responsible for ensuring that relevant and appropriate broadcasting services are extended to all citizens.

ICASA has a responsibility to ensure level playing fields where rules apply equally to all industry players. Which is why the Authority has a strong belief in open and transparent processes. There are many ways in which ICASA ensures regulatory fairness. These include developing regulations and policies, engaging consultative processes in developing rules, regulations and policies. ICASA also ensures fairness through its adjudication functions.

The administration of regulatory justice and fairness is important for the creation of regulatory certainty. It is crucial for competition, for building confidence in the market and to attracting investment into the communications market.

In regulating the industry ICASA aligns its actions, policies and regulations with the framework set by international and regional bodies to which it is affiliated.

These include the Telecommunication Regulatory Association of Southern Africa (TRASA), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the International Institute of Communication s (IIC) and Reseau Des Instances Africaines De Regulation De la Communication (RIARC).

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa - ICASA acts as a watchdog of the telecommunications industry. The consumer protection is tasked to educate consumers about the role and functions of ICASA. It also educates them about the importance of understanding their rights, and the procedures in complaints handling.

The providers of telecommunications services and products have a duty to give consumers fair hearing and settlement in cases where there are poor services and faulty equipments.

ICASA has a mandate in terms of its enabling statutes, to promote and encourage the ownership and control of telecommunication and broadcasting services by people from historically disadvantaged groups.

ICASA is proud to announce that we support the World Summit on Children and the Media that will be hosted in South Africa in 2007. Read more on http://www.riosummit2004.com.br

It involves undertaking of documentary research and field research a view to developing policies on performance of operators in the communications and postal services.

Involves the development of policies relating to the Consumer Safeguards, Service Guarantees, Performance Standards as well as Consequences for Non-Compliance to operators’ Codes of Practice.