AI cuts Absa’s debt review turnaround | ITWeb Tech Headlines | 2 - 7 November 2026
These are the stories making headlines on ITWeb this week. Absa has reduced debt review processing from four days to one using AI, as the big-four bank moves the technology from experimentation into live operations. Meanwhile, township fibre uptake could climb from about 15% to 70% within a year, compared with 40% to 50% in suburbia, according to Accelerit Technologies CEO Mandla Ngcobo. In addition, Lesaka Technologies has built its pending acquisition of Bank Zero into its full-year forecast.
The regulator considers issuing more network licences to boost competition, expand connectivity and tackle new entrant barriers.
The sector portfolio committee and ICASA extend condolences following the passing of former chairperson Paris Mashile.
Paris Mashile, former ICASA chairperson and councillor, dies following a long illness and hospitalisation.
The ICASA policy direction aims to make it easier and faster for telecoms operators to build, extend and share network infrastructure.
High costs continue to exclude low-income South Africans from the digital economy, says the Internet Service Providers’ Association.
ICASA's spectrum reforms are progress, but commercial structures still block emerging ISPs from competing, says Jevon King, chief commercial officer at Backspace.
The Independent Communications Authority of SA expands its regulatory approach, as satellite connectivity, cloud computing and AI reshape the digital infrastructure landscape.
A gambling law expert warns that using ICASA to restrict lawful betting could trigger a constitutional challenge.
Sixteen years after it was first mooted, the opt-out registry will be enforced from April 2027, with hefty fines for marketers that ignore it.
Rolling back the reservation for a wireless open access network model brought an end to a prolonged policy impasse, but raises questions about what replaces the original objectives.
Minister Solly Malatsi formally removes the policy obstacle for licensing a wireless open access network, giving ICASA room to determine how this spectrum should be assigned.
ICASA aims to ensure its regulations are evidence-based, says chairperson Mothibi Ramusi, as it further probes cost to communicate.
ICASA readies new satellite framework amid Starlink hold-up
In this week's tech news roundup, The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will pronounce its licensing framework for satellite-based internet services in 2025. Stay informed and engaged with our comprehensive coverage of these stories and more on our website, www.itweb.co.za and social media platforms. Discover the latest advancements shaping the future of technology by ITWeb. #newsvideo #icasa #starlink News Links: https://www.itweb.co.za/article/analogue-switch-off-deadline-shifts-again/nWJad7bNL9Q7bjO1 https://www.itweb.co.za/article/icasa-readies-new-satellite-framework-amid-starlink-hold-up/LPp6V7rBGwR7DKQz https://www.itweb.co.za/article/dcdt-probes-lead-to-criminal-litigation-referrals/mYZRX79glYQqOgA8 https://www.itweb.co.za/article/liquid-spends-r1bn-on-fibre-network-expansion-across-sa/Pero37Z3dj6MQb6m https://www.itweb.co.za/article/naspers-ups-consolidated-e-commerce-profitability/RgeVDvPRDLkMKJN3
ITWeb TV: State of SA's ICT policy making | Episode #78
Local ICT policy makers get it right when it comes to collaboration and engagement but need to move much quicker from policy to execution, says Cisco Africa's Charmaine Houvet. #ict #policy #cisco