Regulatory News | Regulatory development: 29 OCTOBER 2026
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Draft amendments to South Africa’s numbering rules could introduce additional identity verification requirements for mobile subscribers.
ICASA has published the Draft Numbering Plan Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2026, proposing significant changes to how mobile numbers are allocated, activated and managed.
The proposals include biometric verification in certain subscriber processes, limits on the number of mobile numbers assigned to a subscriber and additional controls affecting numbers used by visitors to South Africa.
Published for public comment in late October, the proposed changes could have implications for mobile operators, customer registration systems, SIM distribution channels and consumers.
Importantly, these are draft regulations, not final requirements.
REGULATORY FOCUS
Proposed biometric subscriber verification
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Draft Numbering Plan amendment; consultation
What is ICASA proposing?
The draft amendments seek to strengthen consumer protection, improve the management of South Africa’s numbering resources and address unauthorised use of mobile numbers.
A central proposal introduces mandatory biometric verification for both new and existing subscribers when mobile numbers are activated or reactivated and when SIM swaps are requested.
The proposals also address how many mobile numbers may be assigned to individual subscribers and the active periods applicable to numbers allocated to visitors.
These measures would introduce additional requirements into existing subscriber management processes if adopted in their proposed form.
Why does this matter for mobile operators?
SIM registration is not simply a customer-facing process.
It involves several operational systems, including identity verification, subscriber databases, retail activation channels and fraud controls.
If the amendments are finalised, operators may need to review the technology and processes used to verify subscribers.
Areas requiring attention could include:
- Compatibility between biometric verification systems and existing subscriber platforms.
- Registration procedures across retail and distributor networks.
- Data protection and security controls.
- Verification processes for existing subscribers.
- Customer communication and dispute handling.
These are potential implementation considerations rather than confirmed obligations beyond the draft’s wording.
The privacy and compliance considerations
Biometric information is particularly sensitive because it concerns characteristics used to identify an individual.
Any implementation would need to account for applicable South African data protection requirements, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
The Information Regulator of South Africa provides guidance and resources relevant to personal information protection.
Operators should carefully assess data collection, storage, retention, security and access controls before making changes to their verification infrastructure.
The final regulatory text and applicable legal framework will determine the precise obligations.
How does this relate to mobile number recycling?
The new proposal follows earlier amendments addressing the deactivation and recycling of inactive mobile numbers.
Together, these developments indicate increased regulatory attention to the lifecycle of mobile numbers, including how they are issued, retained, reassigned and protected against misuse.
For service providers, numbering compliance is becoming a broader operational issue covering both subscriber management and resource administration.
What happens next?
ICASA has invited written representations on the draft amendments.
Operators, technology providers and relevant industry stakeholders should review the consultation documents and consider the technical, commercial and privacy implications.
Until the amendments are finalised, businesses should not describe the proposed biometric requirements as already being in force.
Frequently asked questions
Is biometric verification now mandatory for all South African SIM cards?
The October 2026 amendments are proposals. Their additional requirements are not automatically enforceable simply because the draft has been published.
Will existing mobile customers be affected?
The draft addresses both new and existing subscribers in specified processes. The final scope will depend on the adopted regulations.
Could these changes affect SIM distribution businesses?
Potentially. Registration procedures, customer verification and the supporting technical systems may require review if the proposals are implemented.
Official source
ICASA — Draft Numbering Plan Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2026
Need regulatory guidance? Assessing the operational impact of the proposed numbering rules? Contact All Tech Compliance for telecommunications regulatory guidance. Contact our team.
