Unanswered Promises: The Silence Surrounding South Africa's 10GB Free Data Plan

In early 2022, South Africa's Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), under former Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced an ambitious plan to provide every South African household with 10GB of free data monthly. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to bridge the digital divide and enhance nationwide digital access, was last discussed publicly in mid-2022, with no further developments or updates provided.

The assurance of free data was tied to the broader National Infrastructure Plan 2050, disclosed by then-public works minister Patricia De Lille, which set forth a vision for digital inclusivity through significant data provisions, aiming for 50GB per household per month by the 2025/26 fiscal year. The immediate goal was to initiate the rollout of 10GB monthly per household by the 2023/24 fiscal year, a target already missed by March 2024.

In addressing parliamentary inquiries back in April 2022, Ntshavheni mentioned a three-year rollout plan that would commence alongside the implementation of the SA Connect Revised Model, contingent upon the completion of a necessary feasibility study. The commitment was to make the data service available to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, thus framing internet access as a fundamental utility for modern households.

However, after a June 2022 media briefing promising a plan ready for public commentary by July end, the trail went cold. Queries from MyBroadband towards the DCDT under the new administration have gone unanswered, raising concerns about the initiatives' viability and the government's commitment to digital equality.

The proposal, while ambitious, left major telecom operators like MTN and Cell C seeking clarity regarding operational details and funding. Both operators expressed a willingness to collaborate but emphasized the need for a clear, structured approach to avoid unsustainable financial burdens, especially for smaller operators like Cell C. The lack of formal policy or regulatory groundwork further complicates the feasibility of this large-scale pledge.

As the wait for action or an update continues, the promise of free data is swiftly becoming a symbol of stalled governmental initiatives, potentially eroding trust in public commitments. The issue underscores the critical challenges in aligning policy announcements with executable plans that are adequately funded and transparently managed.

The impact of such initiatives is profound, particularly in a country where digital access can significantly influence educational and economic opportunities. As South Africa continues to navigate these challenges, the resolution of the 10GB free data promise will likely serve as a benchmark for public trust in digital infrastructure commitments.