High cost of airtime undermines democratising potential of mobile
On Wednesday, 12 June 2103, the Right2Know Campaign will be marching in Cape Town to call for free basic and affordable telecommunications. It will hand memorandums to Vodacom, MTN, the independent communications regulator (ICASA) and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communication to advance South Africa's right to communicate.
An estimated 82.9% of people living in South Africa have a cellphone that can enable them to access information, enjoy freedom of expression - and organise for social justice as active citizens. Yet the high cost of airtime and data undermines the democratising potential of the mobile network.
The Right2Know is launching a campaign to challenge the profiteering of cellphone companies and government's failure to regulate the cost of communication effectively. According to the organisation, South Africa has the sixth highest mobile costs in the world.
The march begins at Heerengracht Street, opposite the CTICC in Cape Town at 9am and lasts until 1pm.
People across South Africa can show support by SMS 'support' to 076 728 7009. For more, go to www.r2k.org.za/right2call.
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