Telkom Ordered to Deploy Free Wi-Fi at South African Community Centers
South Africa’s telecommunications landscape is poised for a significant shift as the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has mandated Telkom, a leading provider, to provide free Wi-Fi services. This directive, delivered on October 10, 2025, compels Telkom to equip the nation’s multipurpose Service Centres, known as Thusong Centres, with internet access within a six-month timeframe. The initiative underscores Icasa’s commitment to tackling the digital divide plaguing South Africa, particularly within rural and underserved communities. Failure to comply with the order could result in substantial fines, potentially reaching R1 million.
Bridging the Digital Divide with Affordable Connectivity
The core of this initiative involves connecting 171 Thusong Centres nationwide by October 2028. These centres are vital community hubs, offering local residents access to essential government and community services. This includes crucial departments such as Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and various healthcare services. The current lack of reliable internet connectivity in many of these centres significantly hinders their ability to effectively serve the public, who often rely on them for critical services. Icasa’s decision to compel Telkom to deploy free Wi-Fi is a move towards improving affordable access and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, can benefit from essential online resources and services, contributing to the broader goal of digital inclusion. This directive essentially reshaped some of Telkom’s existing Universal Service and Access Obligations (USAOs), which previously focused on extending connectivity to unconnected areas.
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