Zero-rate the content of public benefit organisations

Mobile network operators must fulfil their legal obligations to zero-rate. Don’t let them leave South Africans on read.

Zero-rating can help address inequality

South Africa, like many other countries, is grappling with how to bridge the digital divide, where unequal access to mobile internet and smartphones has significant consequences for access to education and healthcare. For more than a decade, DGMT has campaigned for the zero-rating of content provided by public benefit organisations (PBOs) so that all South Africans, especially those who are most disadvantaged, can access information and resources that will support them to learn, earn and care for their families. For instance, learners from all walks of life must have access to educational material online, while young jobseekers should be able to access skills development resources.

Zero-rating developments in South Africa

Timeline of zero-rating progress

DGMT has long been lobbying for zero-rating to bridge the digital divide.

2013-2018

In 2013, DGMT commissioned a study to look at ways to reduce the cost of mobile data in South Africa as a means to contribute to socio-economic development. In 2018, DGMT made submissions to the Data Services Market Inquiry.

2020

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government, through the national state of disaster, instructed mobile network operators (MNOs) to zero-rate the content of PBOs. Some complied, most under duress, and some only after they were threatened with legal action. The lessons learned during the pandemic reinforced the importance of digital access for education, particularly for children who could not attend classes in person. Zero-rating became a lifeline for students who needed access to learning material during lockdown. It also meant that vital health information was accessible to the broader public. During the pandemic, mobile network operators moved quickly to zero-rate. They demonstrated that it is possible to zero-rate with urgency.

2022

New legally binding rules compel mobile network operators to zero-rate the content of PBOs. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) made zero-rating of government and public benefit organisation digital content a condition of licence for network operators that had bid successfully for more radio spectrum. This means that users of these websites should have access to this digital content for free.

2023

DGMT launched a public campaign in the Sunday Times newspaper to raise awareness about the delays in implementing zero-rating, and with the support of more than 350 civil society organisations, we called on ICASA to make this issue a priority. You can read our open letter to ICASA here. In response, ICASA said it was finalising outstanding licensing agreements with major MNOs, which in theory meant there would not be further delays in zero-rating. But zero-rating was still not implemented and enforced on a wide scale. So, DGMT reached out to major MNOs to understand why these delays were continuing and launched a new campaign demanding that we not be "left on read". In the meantime, DGMT pushed ahead with the development of a Social Innovation Register. This is a streamlined platform for public benefit organisations to apply for zero-rating, where they can be vetted and can link to MNOs. Watch this video to understand the role of the Social Innovation Register.

2024

We kept up the pressure and thanks to your support, ICASA is taking action! In May, ICASA gazetted new regulations outlining the process that public benefit organisations must follow to apply for their mobile content to be zero-rated by MNOs who successful bid for spectrum licenses. PBOs can apply via the Social Innovation Register by following the links and guidelines below.

Apply for zero-rating on the Social Innovation Register

The Social Innovation Register (SIR) is a streamlined platform for public benefit organisations to apply for zero-rating, where they can be vetted and can link to MNOs. It is also an advocacy tool for PBOs to engage with mobile network operators as a collective.

By registering on the SIR, we will:

Assist with your application: We will guide you through the application process to ensure your content is eligible for zero-rating.
Ensure compliance: We’ll help you understand and meet the technical requirements as stipulated in ICASA’s gazetted notice.
Streamline submissions: We will submit your verified application to ICASA, advocating for the SIR to be the standard for all zero-rating applications.

How to Get Started:

Sign up on the Social Innovation Register by clicking the link below.
We will work with you to ensure your content meets all the necessary requirements.
Once verified, we will submit your application to ICASA on your behalf.

What Happens Next?

We are continuously working to convince ICASA to adopt the Social Innovation Register as the official platform for zero-rating applications. Your mass participation and feedback can help us make a compelling case for ICASA to adopt the SIR.

Advocacy: Make your voices heard

Share these visuals and text across your social media platforms to encourage your fellow PBO’s to enroll on the Social Innovation Register.

Help bridge South Africa’s digital divide by enrolling in the Social Innovation Register (SIR) for zero-rating!

Why Zero-Rating Matters:

Educational Equity: Free access to educational resources.
Job Opportunities: Empower jobseekers with skills development.
Health Information: Make crucial health info available to all.

How to Get Started:

Sign Up: Enrol on the SIR [Link Below].
Collaborate: We’ll help ensure your content meets requirements.
Submit: We submit your verified application to ICASA.

Who is this for? This is for public benefit organisations (PBOs). A PBO is a non-profit entity dedicated to activities that serve the public good and improve the well-being of the community.

Spread the word! Share this post and encourage other PBOs to join the SIR. Together, we can ensure digital access for all South Africans!

Enrol here: www.dgmt-sir.browniepoints.africa

Join the movement for digital inclusion today!

#ZeroRating