South Africa: State Intervention for Affordable Internet Access

In 2019, after a public campaign drew the attention of prominent politicians and authorities, the South African Competition Commission carried out an investigation into mobile broadband pricing. The Commission found that two providers dominated the market for mobile data and charged higher prices for their services in South Africa than they did in other regions. The Commission called on the providers to lower retail prices under threat of prosecution. After three months of negotiations, the providers agreed to lower retail prices, and offer cost-free services to public education institutions and enable free access to job and health information portals.

Country

South Africa

Institution

South African Competition Commission