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The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has directed Telkom to roll out free Wi-Fi at Thusong Centres across rural areas within six months, in a major move to bridge South Africa’s digital divide and expand internet access in underserved communities. Failure to meet the deadline could result in fines of up to R1 million.
Thusong Centres are multipurpose service hubs that provide essential government and community services such as Home Affairs, social security, and healthcare. However, many of these centres currently lack reliable internet connectivity, limiting access to critical online resources and services.
Refocusing Universal Service Obligations
Icasa’s latest directive updates Telkom’s universal service obligations, shifting the focus from general underserved regions to specifically connecting Thusong Centres. The goal is to transform these centres into digital access pointswhere citizens can easily go online for education, employment, and government services.
Under the new framework, Telkom must submit a detailed rollout plan and ensure that the first group of centres is connected by April 2026, with all 171 centres nationwide fully operational by October 2028. Each location will offer uncapped internet access with a minimum speed of 30Mbps.
To ensure fair usage, Icasa has introduced a data cap policy — allowing users up to 300MB per day or 2GB per month. This ensures equitable access for all visitors while maintaining consistent service quality.
Implementation and Oversight
Telkom will handle the installation, equipment, and maintenance, including routers, cabling, and technical support, with issues required to be resolved within five working days. The telecom operator is also responsible for funding the entire project, covering installation and operational costs.
To ensure transparency, Telkom must submit biannual progress reports to Icasa by April 30 and October 31 each year. These reports will document the number of connected centres, service quality, and overall project milestones.
Non-compliance will attract fines ranging from R500,000 to R1 million, with additional penalties possible if delays persist. Icasa’s compliance committee will monitor enforcement and ensure accountability throughout the rollout process.
Bridging South Africa’s Digital Divide
The directive represents a significant milestone in South Africa’s efforts to close the digital access gap between urban and rural areas. Many people in rural regions still rely on expensive mobile data to connect to the internet, while urban residents enjoy faster and cheaper connectivity.
By mandating free Wi-Fi access at Thusong Centres, Icasa aims to promote digital inclusion, enabling citizens in rural communities to access e-government services, online education, job opportunities, and digital markets.
“This initiative will make Thusong Centres hubs for empowerment — places where citizens can apply for documents, attend virtual classes, or access government services online at no cost,” Icasa stated.
Telkom’s Role in Driving Digital Inclusion
As one of South Africa’s largest telecom operators and a partially state-owned entity, Telkom plays a central role in national connectivity initiatives. The company’s extensive infrastructure makes it well-positioned to deliver on this mandate, though Icasa’s timeline and penalties underscore the urgency of execution.
The regulator’s decision aligns with South Africa’s digital transformation agenda, which seeks to build an inclusive digital economy where connectivity is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
If successfully implemented, the programme could help millions of rural residents connect to the internet for the first time, opening up new pathways for learning, innovation, and economic growth.
With clear deadlines, enforceable penalties, and a nationwide mandate, Icasa’s directive marks a decisive step toward a more connected and equitable South Africa — one where access to digital resources is available to every citizen, regardless of location.
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