Rapid Network Deployment: ICASA Directed on Infrastructure GIS and Landowner Disputes

Posted 20 October 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Communications & Digital Technologies

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies has gazetted a policy direction under the Electronic Communications Act, No. 36 of 2005, instructing the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to implement key operational directives on rapid network and facilities deployment.

The policy direction supplements the national policy and associated directive on rapid network and facility deployment published in March 2023. It prescribes regulatory mechanisms intended to accelerate deployment across both public and private land.

The directives instruct ICASA to execute the following core mandates:

  • Infrastructure GIS database: Develop and maintain a national Geographic Information System (GIS) database mapping electronic communications networks, facilities, and general ICT infrastructure. Information must be obtained compulsorily from licensees in terms of statutory powers, and from non-licensees on a voluntary basis.
  • Landowner dispute resolution: Establish structured processes for declaring, handling, and resolving disputes between licensees and property owners regarding property access, wayleaves, and damage compensation.
  • Statutory timeline: ICASA is required to report on its implementation progress within 12 months of the gazette date.

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

  • For yourself: Property owners and legal advisors must factor forthcoming ICASA dispute procedures into any active or pending access disputes with telecommunications operators.
  • For your business: Electronic communications network service (ECNS) licensees must prepare systems for mandatory GIS data disclosures and adjust wayleave negotiation protocols to align with forthcoming dispute resolution rules.
  • For your clients: Corporate property owners, landlords, and commercial real estate clients must review property access agreements and prepare for formalised statutory mediation mechanisms regarding network installations and damages.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/electronic-communications-rapid-network-facilities-deployment-new-policy-direction-gazetted

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