South Africa’s digital divide and high data costs returned to the national spotlight today as Parliament summoned the country’s major telecom operators to answer for ongoing consumer frustrations.
On Friday, 13 June 2025, the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies hosted representatives from Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom to account for persistent issues with network coverage, steep data pricing, and limited internet access – especially in underserved communities. This appearance follows mounting public pressure and online outrage, with the hashtag #DataMustFall once again trending on social media.
Citizens are demanding more affordable,reliable connectivity in both urban and rural areas. For many, poor network quality, high data costs, and inadequate infrastructure continue to block access to the digital economy. While mobile operators defend their pricing models, discontent is escalating, prompting calls for both stronger government regulation and accelerated adoption of alternative technologies such as satellite internet.
Connectivity is a fundamental right in today’s digital economy. The reality is that in many rural and township areas, residents are still waiting for the promise of affordable and reliable internet. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Khusela Diko, acknowledged these frustrations in her remarks. South Africa’s mobile data prices remain some of the highest on the continent. A 2024 ICASA report revealed that, despite gradual reductions over the past five years, the average cost of 1GB of data in South Africa goes anywhere from R40 to R100- compared to around R10 in countries
like Kenya and Nigeria. In many township and rural communities, users are often forced to rely on limited daily bundles or zero-rated messaging apps.
Meanwhile, access to vital digital services such as online education, government portals, and employment platforms, remains severely constrained. The impact is felt across sectors. Teachers in remote areas struggle to download learning
materials. Students burn through prepaid bundles just to participate in virtual lessons. Healthcare workers face difficulties updating cloud-based records due to poor signal strength.
Digital inclusion advocates stress that this is not just a consumer rights issue – it’s an economic imperative. Without affordable access, young people cannot ups-kill online, small businesses cannot participate in digital commerce, and communities fall further behind in an already unequal society.
Is the current telecom framework fit for purpose? Are expansion efforts happening fast enough? And should more be done to facilitate competition? These are some of the questions MPs should be raising. Over the past few weeks, one controversial topic has dominated both online and parliamentary discussions – Starlink. Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, which has been positioned as a potential game-changer for connectivity in remote areas. While some municipalities are reportedly in early talks about pilot projects in provinces like Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape, concerns about regulation and sovereignty persist.
Committee Chairperson Diko addressed the matter head-on: “Assuming there is an agreement on the desirability of Starlink in South Africa, why must our country change its laws to accommodate this company? Around the world, they are working with companies that are in compliance with the laws of the land, but we are told to sacrifice our sovereignty at the altar of what? And aside, at this rate, they would not qualify for EEIPs anyway given the strict guidelines, which include an assessment of the applicant company’s global practices.”
Her remarks reinforced government’s position: South Africa’s regulatory standards should not be adjusted to favor foreign tech companies, especially when local providers are expected to comply with stringent rules under the Electronic Communications Act and Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs).
As the session concluded, one message echoed across committee chambers and social media: Connectivity must be affordable, accessible, and equitable. Whether delivered through legacy telecoms or new entrants like Starlink, the digital future of South Africa cannot leave the majority behind.
By Tsholang Bodibe
