New data rules: MTN‚ Vodacom‚ Cell C and Telkom respond

Cape Town - New regulations governing the use of data will be introduced in South Africa following the popular #DataMustFall campaign that was sparked in 2016.

The regulations will require companies to notify subscribers when their data falls below 50%, 80% and 100% depletion levels, to rollover unused data, allow transfer of data and prohibit service providers to charge out of bundle charges without the customer consent.

READ: SA cellphone users will soon be allowed to carry over unused data - Icasa

Fin24 asked mobile operators for their response to the announcement made by the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa).

This is what they had to say:

Vodacom

"We have noted Icasa’s announcement of the final regulations in respect to the end-user and service subscriber charter. We will review the gazetting of the regulations once it has been published next week and will provide comment in due course," said a media representative.

MTN

MTN also noted the comments made by Icasa, said Jacqui O'Sullivan.

"While it was expected that the regulator would deal with the five specific elements raised, the extent of the changes required by the mobile operators will only come to light once the detailed regulations are published next week.

"MTN will be in a better position to comment, on that detail, once we have had the opportunity to study the actual regulations," she added.

Cell C

"Cell C will comment once it has had the opportunity to fully review the regulations," said executive head of Communications Karin Fourie.

Telkom

Telkom said it supports Icasa’s efforts to lower the cost to communicate and has taken note of the regulator’s review of the end-user and subscriber services charter.

"We cautiously welcome Icasa’s position on the need for fairness in business practice around data pricing and the expiry of data bundles.

"We are encouraged by this direction as this will enable us to continue to differentiate our products and provide subscribers with cost effective choices," a spokesperson said.

Telkom added that it too will only be in a position to study, review and comment on the implications of the new regulations once these have been published.

Icasa will publish the final regulations in the government gazette in the next few days.