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The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has increased telecommunications tariffs by 3.2% from April 1, 2026.
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Operators are facing increasing regulatory and investment costs, particularly associated with 5G rollouts.
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Telkom has announced a tariff increase of up to 10% in a gesture to benefit consumers.
The South African telecommunications regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), approved an increase in all tariffs applicable to the electronic communications sector. Authorities published the new tariffs in the Government Gazette on Friday, March 20, and they will take effect from April 1.
Officials linked the adjustment to inflation, applying a 3.2% increase based on the consumer price index, according to a regulatory notice. The revised fee covers a range of fees including spectrum licensing, service authorization and terminal equipment certification processes.
Broad-based cost increases for the industry
The tariff update affects the entire value chain. The certification fee, which companies must pay before importing and marketing any equipment, will increase from 6,526 rand to 6,735 rand per certified model.
The regulation requires manufacturers to individually certify each smartphone or network device before commercialization. Authorities also increased costs associated with labeling and technical modifications, which could impact manufacturers and importers with broad product portfolios.
Telkom example: instant access to consumers
The market has already reacted to the regulatory decision. Reflecting industry concerns, Telkom has announced higher mobile and fixed tariffs from 1 April. The operator plans to raise mobile plan prices (FreeMe, FlexOn, Infinite) by an average of 6.5%, twice the regulator's increase.
In detail, the company will increase fiber subscriptions and fixed-line services by 6%, while legacy voice products will increase by 10%. Telkom attributes these measures to rising operating costs and the need to maintain network investments.
A complex equation for digital penetration
This situation highlights a key industry challenge: operators must balance infrastructure profitability with affordability. While regulators align fees with economic cycles, operators face huge capital expenditure requirements for 5G and pass these costs on to end users.
For South African consumers, the cumulative increase raises the risk of slowing digital inclusion, as data and device costs remain a major social concern. Notably, ICASA has already implemented an increase of 5.4% in April 2025, confirming the structural upward trend in digital service costs in the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted into English by Ange JA de Berry Quenam