Pretoria- The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has concluded its two-day Annual Stakeholder Engagement held at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.

The engagement brought together stakeholders from across the communications, broadcasting and postal services sectors to discuss key regulatory developments, industry priorities, as well as the challenges and opportunities shaping the sectors regulated by ICASA, including operational matters.

The engagement formed part of ICASA’s situational analysis and provided an opportunity for the Authority to hear directly from stakeholders, understand the environment in which they operate and reflect on issues that may require attention as ICASA plans for the period ahead.

A key message from the engagement was the need for greater focus and prioritisation in ICASA’s work. Stakeholders raised a wide range of issues, highlighting the importance of concentrating resources on areas that can make a meaningful difference to consumers, industry and the broader economy.

Among the key areas discussed were:

- Spectrum, infrastructure and connectivity, including underserved and rural areas, infrastructure resilience and the need to cater for the full range of spectrum users;

-Consumer protection and meaningful access, including affordability, digital literacy, vulnerable users and stronger consumer and community participation;

- Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and other technologies that are changing the way consumers and businesses interact with communications services;

- Regulatory predictability and efficiency, including clearer timelines, improved communication, consultation processes and the review of outdated or unnecessary regulatory requirements;

- Cybersecurity, critical infrastructure and digital resilience, including the protection of essential communications infrastructure;

- Broadcasting and postal services, including the need for regulatory frameworks to keep pace with changes in these sectors;

- Data, transparency and regulatory intelligence, including improved access to sector information to support evidence based decision-making; and

-Ethical and responsible conduct, including the protection of vulnerable users and the responsible use of consumer information and emerging technologies.

The discussions also highlighted the need for regulation that is responsive, proportionate, predictable and fit for purpose, while supporting innovation, investment, competition and the sustainability of the sectors regulated by ICASA.

“The past two days have given us an opportunity to listen to the industry and have open discussions about where we are and where we need to go. We have received valuable perspectives as well as practical proposals on areas where we can improve”, said Mothibi Ramusi, Chairperson of ICASA.

In addition, the Chairperson added that this discussion has reinforced the need to focus efforts and prioritise those areas where ICASA can make a meaningful regulatory contribution. “We now need to take these inputs forward and use them to strengthen our planning, sharpen our priorities and ensure that we remain responsive to the environment in which we operate,” said Ramusi.

The inputs received during the engagement will inform ICASA’s ongoing strategic planning for the period ahead.

ICASA extends its appreciation to all stakeholders who participated and contributed to two days of constructive and forward-looking engagement.

ENDS

For media enquiries: 

Milly Matlou

media@icasa.org.za