Social regulation, as applied specifically to the telecommunications sector, is a new phenomenon in most countries. It was only in the 1960s, with the establishment of regulatory agencies, that social regulation became important. The regulators are mandated by their country’s legislative and regulatory frameworks to meet social objectives. This study examined the extent to which ICASA protects consumers as it is mandated to do by the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005. The study found that ICASA has adopted mechanisms of protecting consumers, namely by conducting awareness campaigns, road shows and workshops in all the nine provinces of South Africa in order to educate and inform consumers about the procedures of lodging complaints and to make them aware of their rights. However, despite ICASA’s endeavours to ensure consumer protection, most consumers are neither aware of their rights and how to efficiently exercise them nor the procedures of lodging complaints. ICASA protects consumers to a reasonable extent but it can do more when the enduser and subscriber service charter regulations are finalised. / Communication Science / M. A. (International Communication)

Social regulation, as applied specifically to the telecommunications sector, is a new phenomenon in most countries. It was only in the 1960s, with the establishment of regulatory agencies, that social regulation became important. The regulators are mandated by their country’s legislative and regulatory frameworks to meet social objectives. This study examined the extent to which ICASA protects consumers as it is mandated to do by the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005. The study found that ICASA has adopted mechanisms of protecting consumers, namely by conducting awareness campaigns, road shows and workshops in all the nine provinces of South Africa in order to educate and inform consumers about the procedures of lodging complaints and to make them aware of their rights. However, despite ICASA’s endeavours to ensure consumer protection, most consumers are neither aware of their rights and how to efficiently exercise them nor the procedures of lodging complaints. ICASA protects consumers to a reasonable extent but it can do more when the enduser and subscriber service charter regulations are finalised. / Communication Science / M. A. (International Communication)

Countries worldwide have reformed or are in the process of reforming their telecommunications industries. The reform process is characterised by new laws and policies, and the establishment of regulatory agencies to implement reforms in a new dynamic global environment. Regulatory reform has emerged as an important policy area worldwide. In South Africa, the regulatory environment is undergoing an overhaul to create a framework for vibrant competition and consequently affordable services. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper insight into the capability and state of readiness of the regulatory authority to implement its constitutional mandate: to regulate the industry, create conditions for competition, and to achieve socio-political objectives. The case study research design was used. The methodology include: in-depth interviews, qualitative content analysis and documentation. The report concludes that the regulator lacks behind global best practices in terms of crucial policy and regulatory aspects to successfully implement its mandate. / Communication Science / M. A. (International Communication)

Countries worldwide have reformed or are in the process of reforming their telecommunications industries. The reform process is characterised by new laws and policies, and the establishment of regulatory agencies to implement reforms in a new dynamic global environment. Regulatory reform has emerged as an important policy area worldwide. In South Africa, the regulatory environment is undergoing an overhaul to create a framework for vibrant competition and consequently affordable services. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper insight into the capability and state of readiness of the regulatory authority to implement its constitutional mandate: to regulate the industry, create conditions for competition, and to achieve socio-political objectives. The case study research design was used. The methodology include: in-depth interviews, qualitative content analysis and documentation. The report concludes that the regulator lacks behind global best practices in terms of crucial policy and regulatory aspects to successfully implement its mandate. / Communication Science / M. A. (International Communication)