South Africans say ICASA data rules bring much-needed consumer relief

Some South African prepaid mobile users have welcomed the new regulations that they will soon allow unused data bundles to be rolled over.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) gazetted the rules yesterday, with the regulations set to take effect on 23 January 2026. Under the new framework, telecommunications companies will be required to allow at least one data rollover on the same terms and conditions as the original bundle.

However, data bundles valid for seven days or less – including uncapped, free, and promotional data – are excluded from the provision. ICASA says the regulations are aimed at strengthening consumer protection while preserving market balance. Mobile network operators, however, have expressed concern about the potential impact on data sales.

In addition, networks will be required to notify customers about their data usage and provide greater control over out-of-bundle charges.

The move has been hailed as a major victory by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which has long campaigned against data expiry, describing the regulation as a landmark win for consumers.

@ziziphol

#politics #EFF

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@mugeefam

#eff #juliusmalema #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #datamustfall #icasa Data expiry scrapped as new ICASA rules kick in.

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Many users have also taken to social media to praise the decision, saying it will ease financial pressure and help job seekers apply for work without the fear of running out of data — particularly in the context of high unemployment and limited access to free Wi-Fi.

Because of the EFF, data will no longer expire. Blacks, Whites and Coloreds are going to benefit from this. The 9% of EFF is working for all of us. We are benefiting from EFF.

— Justice Chauke (@Cawuke_JR) January 27, 2026

No matter how much you might disagree with the EFF on some issues, it’s clear they are working for the people. Yesterday, ICASA announced no data expiry, giving South Africans more freedom with their internet. Meanwhile, NSFAS is now paying directly to institutions, cutting out… pic.twitter.com/iD2mZJklvl

— Lungile Khubone (@KhuboneLun93149) January 27, 2026

@therealnobody84

Big news for SA mobile users! 🚨 ICASA has gazetted the law for automatic data rollover and data transfer. The telcos have one year to make it happen. Are you as excited as I am? #SouthAfrica #DataCosts #DataBundle #ICASA #creatorsearchinsights

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Speaking in Parliament, EFF national spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo, said the party has consistently argued that the expiry of data and airtime infringes on South Africans’ constitutional right to access information.

The EFF’s Statement on ICASA Concession on Data Expiry

-This victory is the outcome of a long and deliberate campaign by the EFF, waged inside Parliament and beyond. The EFF consistently raised this matter since 2024 in the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital… pic.twitter.com/yi7FibIBq1

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 26, 2026

Government officials have also welcomed the move.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, described the regulation as a step in the right direction.

STATEMENT ON ICASA’S CONSUMER-CENTRIC AMENDMENTS TO BUNDLE EXPIRY REGULATIONS pic.twitter.com/82r72yaDXo

— ANC Parliament (@ANCParliament) January 26, 2026