As Malawians demand an end to data bundle expiry, a similar battle has already reached a courtroom in South Africa.
South Africa’s fight over expensive mobile data is heading to court, with Vodacom and MTN challenging ICASA’s tightened regulations aimed at protecting consumers from losing unused data and facing unexpected out-of-bundle charges.
As reported by SABC News on Thursday, ICASA says the amendments could take effect early next year, but the legal dispute has delayed certainty around the future of data affordability and consumer protection.
The regulator briefed Parliament’s Trade, Industry and Competition Committee on the complaints that led to the changes. It says consumers have continued to report losing prepaid data due to bundle expiry, restrictive rollover rules and unexpected billing.
Support for the regulations has come from several MPs, including members of the DA and EFF, who argue the rules will help prevent consumers from losing the value of unused data.
However, Vodacom and MTN’s court challenge is expected to settle key questions about the regulations.
With litigation underway, the timing and final form of the proposed protections remain unclear, leaving millions of consumers in South Africa and beyond waiting to see how much value they will retain from data they have already paid for.
