From March 2019 cellphone providers cannot charge for out of bundle data use. They will have to notify clients and obtain agreement before they do. This comes as a huge relief for many South Africans who have felt exploited.

Cellphone providers for years have been allowing data to expire and not roll over, angering most cellphone users. The new ICASA rulings will now allow for data to be rolled over or you can transfer unused data to friend and family on the same network.

South Africa still has one of the most expensive data rates on the African continent which makes data use expensive for ordinary citizens. While many citizens complained in the past, the new law would have that service provider notify clients regarding the expiration of data bundles. Clients are notified three times. Once at 40% of usage, then at 70% and lastly at 100% making it a win-win for all.

Vodacom, unlike other service providers, mentioned a possible price for data rollover. Furious South Africans took to social media networks to spew out their dissatisfaction on the rollover charge. Within a few hours, the provider cleaned up its website and retracted their statement.

MTN said they had been offering the roll over for years and don’t plan on adding any extra charges presently.

Cell C has notified its clients that the data rollover will carry no charge as well.

Whether or not there will be charges added in the future, we will have to wait and see.

Mumtaz Moosa Saley
26022019