ICASA Outlines Process for I-ECNS Licensing Market Inquiry

Posted 29 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Communications & Digital Technologies

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued a gazetted notice clarifying the procedural framework for a market inquiry into individual electronic communications network service (I-ECNS) licensing, following a ministerial directive issued in August 2025.

In terms of the Electronic Communications Act, No. 36 of 2005, and pursuant to the ministerial directive of August 2025, ICASA is mandated to conduct an inquiry into the merits of licensing new individual electronic communications network services. The inquiry aims to evaluate the licensing framework against national objectives of promoting competition, facilitating universal access, and ensuring efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum.

The newly gazetted notice outlines the administrative and consultative processes that ICASA will follow to gather evidence, receive submissions, and engage with stakeholders throughout the inquiry.

Objectives of the I-ECNS Inquiry

  • Assessing the current market structure and the level of competition within the electronic communications sector.
  • Determining the impact of issuing new I-ECNS licences on universal service and access obligations.
  • Establishing the procedural steps, timelines, and public consultation phases for the market inquiry.

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

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; professional advisors must monitor the inquiry’s timeline to advise on regulatory shifts in the telecommunications sector.
  • For your business: Telecommunications firms and advisory practices must prepare to align their strategic planning with potential changes in the licensing regime and market entry barriers.
  • For your clients: Clients operating in the ICT and electronic communications sectors should prepare written submissions to ICASA to protect their commercial interests and influence the future licensing framework.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/individual-electronic-communications-network-service-licensing-market-inquiry-update

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