Hello to Free Wi-Fi? Telkom Seeks To Connect 17 Thusong Community Centres Nationwide

Published 18 Feb 2026 at 12:13 PM

by Mbalenhle Butale

3 min read

Telkom is seeking Icasa’s approval to roll out free Wi-Fi at 171 Thusong Service Centres nationwide
The operator aims to bring fast, uncapped internet to previously offline areas
Telkom is engaging with Icasa to update its licence obligations, replacing outdated services

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Telkom free wifi — Telkom aims to provide free wi-fi to 17 Thusong Community Centres nationwide. Images: Spencer Platt/Getty Images and Waldo Swiegers/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

SOUTH AFRICA- Telkom has announced that it is seeking permission from Icasa to roll out hotspots across 171 Thusong Service Centres nationwide, bringing fast, uncapped internet to places that have long been offline.

If approved, this could be a game-changer for students, job seekers, and anyone needing reliable internet access in previously under-served communities.

According to Broadband Tech, Telkom is seeking to update licence requirements that currently obligate it to maintain outdated services such as public pay phones and directory assistance.

The network operator has requested the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to amend its licence conditions to reflect more relevant obligations. Telkom confirmed it is “engaging constructively with Icasa as part of an ongoing regulatory process,” but declined to provide details on its rollout plans.

Telkom asks Icasa to update licence requirements

The plan first emerged in October 2025, after Icasa warned that failure to comply with licence conditions could result in fines of R500,000 to R1 million. Telkom is now seeking to replace some of its universal service obligations (USAOs) with connectivity requirements for Thusong Service Centres, which provide essential government services.

If approved, Telkom would provide Wi-Fi to 171 centres nationwide. The rollout plan would detail which centres will be connected, the technology to be used, annual targets, a completion timeline, and quality checks to ensure reliable speeds.

Free internet set to empower community centres

The regulator expects all 171 centres to be connected by October 2028, with rollout beginning within six months of licence amendments being finalised. Wi-Fi at the centres must offer uncapped speeds of at least 30Mbps, subject to a fair usage policy of 300MB daily and 2GB monthly per user.

ICASA investigates Starlink use in SA

In related news, Briefly News reported that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) launched a formal investigation into allegations that Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, may be operating in the country without the required licences, publishing a notice and deploying teams to verify reports and gather evidence.

Many South Africans mocked the regulator’s move on social media, saying the investigation is overdue or unnecessary given the widespread use of the service despite its unclear legal status. Icasa has engaged SpaceX for clarity and warned that if the investigation finds unlawful activity, it may pursue enforcement actions, possibly including formal complaints to international bodies.

ICASA rules against the SABC

Previously, Briefly News reported that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) ruled that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) discriminated against the Democratic Alliance (DA) by refusing to broadcast a political advert showing the national flag burning. The regulator ordered theSABC to air the ad and pay a R500 000 fine.