EFF Claims Breakthrough in Fight Against Prepaid Data Expiry in South Africa
By Aneli Fura
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has announced what it describes as a major victory in its long-running campaign against the expiry of prepaid data and airtime in South Africa.
According to the party, sustained pressure in Parliament, including engagements within the Portfolio Committees on Communications and on Trade and Industry, as well as direct discussions with telecommunications companies and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), has resulted in regulatory changes aimed at protecting consumers.
The EFF says ICASA has accepted its argument that the expiry of prepaid data and airtime infringes on consumers’ constitutional right to access information. As a result, mobile network operators are now expected to roll over unused data and airtime rather than allowing them to lapse, preventing customers from losing services they have already paid for.
The party further stated that this development reinforces the view that access to data is a basic necessity in a digital society, not a luxury reserved for a few.
While welcoming the decision as a win for ordinary people, the EFF indicated that its campaign is far from over. The party said it will continue to push for lower data costs and longer rollover periods to ensure that internet access remains affordable and accessible to all.
