South Africa’s communications regulator has introduced new rules that will allow inactive prepaid mobile numbers to be deactivated after 90 consecutive days without chargeable activity, as part of broader efforts to improve national numbering management and make better use of limited telecommunications resources.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published the Numbering Plan Fourth Amendment Regulations, 2026, setting out updated procedures for mobile number deactivation, recycling and resource administration.
Under the new regulations, prepaid mobile numbers that do not generate any revenue for network operators over a continuous 90-day period may be disconnected from the network. Revenue-generating activity includes voice calls, SMS messages, mobile data usage and value-added services.
The revised framework does not apply to postpaid mobile subscribers.
ICASA said the changes are intended to standardise number recycling procedures while ensuring unused numbers can be returned to circulation more efficiently as demand for mobile services continues to grow.
Subscribers will receive advance warnings
To reduce the risk of customers unintentionally losing their phone numbers, the regulations introduce a mandatory notification process before any deactivation occurs.
If a prepaid subscriber records no revenue-generating activity for 60 consecutive days, the mobile operator must notify the customer that the number is at risk of deactivation.
Subscribers then receive a further 30-day grace period during which they can keep the number active simply by making a phone call, sending a text message, using mobile data or accessing another qualifying service.
During this notice period, operators are required to issue at least two reminders, including a final reminder one day before the scheduled deactivation date.
The regulations also introduce an exemption mechanism for customers who know they will be unable to use their numbers for an extended period, such as while travelling or working abroad.
Subscribers may apply to retain their mobile number for up to 183 days without additional charges. Once an exemption is approved—or if the subscriber resumes qualifying activity—the deactivation process must stop immediately.
One-month quarantine before number recycling
After a number is officially deactivated, it cannot be reassigned immediately.
Instead, ICASA requires operators to place the number into a one-month quarantine period during which it remains inactive across all mobile networks. No calls, messages or other communications can be routed to or from the number during this time.
According to the regulator, the quarantine period serves several purposes, including creating a clear separation between previous and future users of the number, allowing operators to reconcile records across different networks, and giving former subscribers additional time to update contact information linked to banking services, online accounts and other platforms.
The updated regulations also support the continued use of ICASA’s Numbering Portal, an online platform launched in 2023 to improve the allocation and administration of national telecommunications numbering resources.
Through the portal, licensed operators can submit numbering applications electronically, improve reporting accuracy and comply more efficiently with regulatory requirements.
ICASA has granted mobile network operators a six-month transition period beginning on 1 July 2026 to update their systems and fully implement the new regulations.
Source: Adapted from ICASA regulations.