LISTEN: ANC calls for the urgent lowering of data prices
The African National Congress (ANC) has called on mobile operators to urgently reduce data costs.
The Right2Know Campaign has been at the forefront of the #DataMustFall campaign calling for universal uncapped internet access.
A report by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) ranks data prices to be the third highest in South Africa within BRICS.
“As a result of the high costs of data, the majority of our people are unable to enjoy the benefits of the digital economy in our democracy. It further stifles the growth and development of small businesses. The ANC believes that lowering the cost of data will be a catalyst for economic growth. It will unlock economic opportunities and thus contribute to economic growth and job creation,” says ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe.
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He says the release of spectrum international mobile telecommunications services (IMT-Advance), is expected to resolve most of the constraints mobile operators experience.
“Spectrum will also accelerate the roll-out of broadband networks in rural areas, particularly the wholesale Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN) earmarked in the policy," he added
The recent lekgotla of the ANC’s national executive committee resolved that the government needs to urgently issue the policy for the allocation of radio frequency spectrum the Open Access Network, existing operators and new entrants before October.