[4 September 2026] The Portfolio Committee has set out its provisional timetable for processing the Bill.
| Date | Activity |
| 21 September 2026 | Closing date for written submissions |
| Sep-Oct 2026 | Staff analysis phase; verification, thematic analysis, identification of oral presenters |
| Nov-Dec 2026 | Adoption of public hearing programme, finalisation of provincial logistics |
| Oct-Dec 2026 | Adoption of WITS Link Centre as Convener of Panel of Experts – to provide independent technical and policy guidance for hearings and deliberations |
| Oct-Dec 2026 | 1-day training module for Committee Members to align the Bill with current government priorities and emerging digital policy framework |
| Jan-Feb 2027 | Pre-hearing briefings and final logistical coordination for provincial teams |
| Mar-May 2027 | National public hearings across all nine provinces (total of 36 district hearings) |
| June 2027 | Consolidation of provincial reports into single comprehensive document |
| July – December 2027 | Clause-by-clause deliberations |
| December 2027 | Finalisation |
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[20 August 2026] The deadline for written submissions has been extended to 16h00 on 21 September 2026.
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[23 June 2026] The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has issued an invitation to stakeholders and interested parties to make written submissions on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B12–2026].
Invitation to Comment on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B12-2026]
The deadline for written submissions is 16h00 on 21 August 2026 and these can be emailed to Committee Secretary Mr Thembinkosi Ngoma (tngoma@parliament.gov.za).
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[29 May 2026] The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies presented the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2026 to the Portfolio Committee for Communications and Digital Technologies on 26 May 2026.
Presentation ECA Bill 2026 (Competition Matters)
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[5 May 2026] Overview Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2026
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[20 April 2026] The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has published the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2026 and the accompanying Explanatory Summary.
Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2026
Explanatory Summary ECA Bill 2026
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[7 April 2026] Cabinet has approved the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2026 [was the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2022] which will now be introduced into Parliament.
5. Electronic Communications Amendment (ECA) Bill, 2026
5.1. Cabinet approved the submission of the ECA Bill to Parliament. The aim of the Bill is to amend the Electronic Communications Act, 2005. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to increase the level of competition in the telecommunications sector and drive down prices. The amendments to the Electronic Communications Act are also intended to create an enabling environment for investment with a key focus on reducing regulatory barriers to entry to improve competition and also allow the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa flexibility to regulate the sector.
Statement on the Cabinet meeting of 25 March 2026, and Special Cabinet meeting of 1 April 2026
The Portfolio Committee for Communications and Digital Technologies is likely to publish the Bill for public comment as a first step.
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[4 August 2023] The deadline for comments on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2022 has been extended to 31 August 2023.
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[23 June 2023] The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has published draft amendments to the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) for public comment.
Invitation to provide written comments on proposed Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2022
Memorandum on proposed Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2022
The Competiton Commission’s Data Services Market Inquiry Final Report, published on 2 December 2019, made recommendations to the DCDT on amendments to the ECA which would facilitate competition and lowering the cost to communicate. The ECAB 2022 seeks to implement these recommendations.
The most important features:
- A new licensing category – electronic communications facilities service (ECFS) – is proposed to bring pure electronic communications infrastructure providers such as tower companies into the ambit of the ECA.
- The facilities leasing framework is to be reworked to place “principles of access” as central to determining whether there is an obligation on an ECNS or ECFS licensee to lease a facility upon request.
- ICASA’s powers to review markets for competition failures and to impose pro-competitive conditions on licensees have been overhauled and simplified, while the scope for cooperation between ICASA and the Competition Commission has been broadened.
- A new chapter introduces an obligation on certain licensees to provide a platform for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and roaming services on request.
- New provisions to facilitate spectrum sharing and the implementation of a “use-it-or-share-it” rule.
We have prepared an overview for those allergic to overwhelming jargon and legalese: Overview Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2022 (June 2023)
Submissions are due by 4 August 2023 and may be submitted to:
The Acting Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
For attention: Mr. A Wiltz, Chief Director, Telecommunications and IT Policy
Per email: ecabill@dcdt.gov.za
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