South Africa's New Mobile Data Rollover Regulations Explained

South Africa's new mobile data rollover regulations explained

This is how new regulations in South Africa will allow consumers to keep their unused mobile data, voice minutes, and SMS bundles, ensuring better value and flexibility in mobile services.

Julius Malema's EFF calls for early enforcement of mobile data expiry rules

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it will push for the earlier implementation of amended regulations by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) that will allow consumers to roll over unused mobile data bundles. Under the new rules, which are set to take effect on 23 January 2027, telecommunications companies will be required to permit at least one rollover of unused data under the same conditions as the original b…

'Struggle against data not over,' EFF says after Icasa decision

The EFF says the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) decision to amend the rules on when mobile data bundles can expire is the outcome of a “long and deliberate campaign” by the party waged inside Parliament and beyond. Icasa published the updated rules for voice, SMS, and data bundles in the country in the Government Gazette on Friday. Icasa The new amendment requires mobile networks to roll over specific unused bundles…

Your Data, Their Rules: The Hidden Cost of ICASA’s New Data Amendments

When South Africa’s telecoms regulator, ICASA, amended the End User and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations, the press releases and immediate commentary has been unanimous: this is a win for consumers.Rival coverage leaned heavily into the network operator narrative, that data expiry is unavoidable, that billing systems are complex, and that the regulator has finally struck a “reasonable balance” between consumer protection and network sustai…

New ICASA rules will protect consumers against surprise charges and expiring data

South Africa’s communications regulator, ICASA, has introduced new rules aimed at protecting cellphone users from unexpected charges and the loss of unused data.   The End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Amendment Regulations, 2025, published in the Government Gazette on 23 January 2026, strengthen consumer rights around mobile data, voice and SMS bundles. The changes will take effect in January 2027, twelve months after publication.   Stron…

ICASA mandates rollover and transfer of unused data, voice and SMS bundles from 2027

By Charmaine Ndlela The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has amended the End-User and Subscriber Charter Regulations, introducing significant changes to how unused prepaid data and airtime will be rolled over. Under the revised regulatory framework, mobile network operators will be required to roll over unused data, voice, and SMS bundles once they reach the end of their validity period. Bundles will be consumed in or…