Why the Telkom free Wi‑Fi order
Icasa replaced some of Telkom’s existing Universal Service and Access Obligations (USAOs), which mandate extending connectivity to unserved or underserved areas, with new connectivity targets focused on Thusong Centres.
Icasa’s notice highlighted the crucial role of these centres in facilitating access to government information and essential services. Recognising that their purpose is limited without internet connectivity, Icasa envisions transforming them into public digital access points.
Unrestricted internet access would empower citizens by streamlining access to government services, facilitating lifelong learning through online education, and enabling more effective job searches, leading to a more informed and empowered citizenry.
Telkom must create and submit to Icasa a rollout plan detailing the centres to be connected annually, the technology used, the installation schedule, and the connection quality testing process.
The company must connect the first group of Thusong Centres by April 2026 and complete all 171 installations by October 2028, ensuring continuous connectivity throughout the license period. Each hotspot will offer uncapped internet access at a minimum speed of 30 Mbps, subject to a fair usage policy of 300 MB daily or 2 GB monthly to guarantee equitable bandwidth distribution.
Telkom will handle router, cabling, and firewall installation, resolve faults within five working days, and cover all setup, support, and maintenance costs for the project.
Icasa also directed Telkom to submit bi‑annual progress reports by April 30 and October 31. These reports should detail the number of connected centres, service quality, and data usage patterns to allow Icasa to monitor project progress and ensure adherence to the timeline.
Non‑compliance will be considered a violation of license terms under the Electronic Communications Act.
Penalties and what the project means for digital access
Icasa cautioned that Telkom could be fined between R500,000 and R1 million for violating the free Wi‑Fi rollout requirements. Continued non‑compliance may be escalated to Icasa’s Complaints and Compliance Committee, which can impose further penalties.
The fines are intended to keep the rollout on schedule and ensure Telkom adheres to its license obligations. These measures, including measurable targets and stricter enforcement, aim to prevent past delays in public connectivity projects, which hindered South Africa’s progress toward universal internet access, especially in rural and township areas.
This order is crucial for South Africa’s connectivity goals, as many rural communities rely on costly mobile data. The growing digital divide between urban areas with fast, affordable fibre and fixed wireless internet, and rural areas, limits access to online education, remote work, and e‑government services.
Thusong Centres can bridge the digital divide by providing reliable Wi‑Fi for completing government applications, accessing digital training, and connecting with online opportunities in small towns and rural areas. This aligns with South Africa’s Digital Economy Masterplan, which prioritises affordable and inclusive digital access.
This order reinforces Telkom’s position as a key player in South Africa’s public internet expansion plan, leveraging its extensive infrastructure and partially state‑owned status, while also increasing its financial obligations.
Icasa’s enforcement of universal service commitments will be strengthened through fines, deadlines, and reporting requirements, translating policy into measurable progress.