How the new data regulations still leave consumers in the lurch
‘The problem is it still punishes the people with less money to spend. There is no reason for data to disappear’
New draft regulations on data have been welcomed, but industry commentators say they could’ve done more to help consumers battling to cope with expensive data‚ which has been singled out as an obstacle to economic growth.Data costs‚ disappearing data and the expiration of data have been major talking points in recent months‚ with former Metro FM DJ Tbo Touch leading the way for the #DataMustFall campaign and more consumers speaking out about data bundles disappearing and expiring after certain times.In July‚ Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba outlined 14 key areas of economic growth prospects‚ and the issue of the high cost of data in South Africa was directed to the Competition Commission to investigate.On Monday‚ the Independent Communications Authority Of South Africa (Icasa) published recommendations that include keeping data valid for up to two years. The regulations suggest expiry periods for the following data bundles:• 1MB to 50MB: after 10 days• 50MB to 500MB: after 30 days• 50...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.