Draft Ministerial Policy Direction: Broadband Infrastructure Rapid Deployment

Posted 12 March 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Communications & Digital Technologies

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies has published a draft policy direction to facilitate the rapid deployment of high-speed broadband networks.

In terms of the Electronic Communications Act, No. 36 of 2005, Minister Solly Malatsi has announced his intention to issue a policy direction to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The directive requires ICASA to identify the most effective regulatory mechanisms to ensure the expedited rollout of high-speed broadband infrastructure and services.

The department initially issued a media statement on 13 March 2026 outlining the proposed policy. Subsequently, a notice was published in Government Gazette No. 54473, Notice 7360 on 9 April 2026, which formally extended the period for public commentary. Stakeholders and interested parties now have until 25 April 2026 to submit their inputs.

The draft policy direction focuses on several key objectives for ICASA to address:

  • Identifying the most suitable regulatory pathways for rapid infrastructure deployment;
  • Ensuring the availability of high-speed broadband networks across all regions; and
  • Streamlining the processes associated with the installation of electronic communications facilities.

Click here to download the Government Gazette No. 54473, Notice 7360.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Monitor the shift in regulatory authority between the Minister and ICASA regarding infrastructure licensing to ensure professional advice remains current with evolving administrative law.
  • For your business: Infrastructure providers should prepare for potential new reporting requirements or streamlined application processes for broadband deployment that may impact operational timelines.
  • For your clients: Clients in the ICT and telecommunications sectors should be advised of the 25 April 2026 deadline to submit comments and influence the final regulatory framework for network rollouts.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/broadband-infrastructure-input-sought-on-draft-ministerial-policy-direction

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