Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is zero-rating?

Zero-rating allows South African internet users to access certain websites without consuming their mobile data. This means visiting approved websites is "data-free" for users on participating mobile networks.

Why is this portal necessary?

Operators awarded radio frequency spectrum in March 2022 are required to implement zero-rating as part of their licence conditions. This portal streamlines that process by providing a centralized system for applications, approvals, and technical coordination.

Who operates this portal?

ISPA (Internet Service Providers' Association) developed and maintains this portal in collaboration with ICASA. ICASA provides regulatory oversight and approves all applications, while ISPA manages the technical infrastructure.

How much does it cost to apply?

There is no cost to apply for zero-rating through this portal. ISPA provides this service free of charge as part of its commitment to supporting digital inclusion in South Africa.

Eligibility & Requirements

Who can apply for zero-rating?

Eligible organizations include:

Government departments and agencies
Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs)
Educational institutions
Healthcare providers
Other organisations providing essential public services

What are the technical requirements?

Your website must meet these key technical requirements:

Hosted within South Africa (not on cloud services)
Static IP addresses (IPv4 and/or IPv6)
Accessible on port 80 (HTTP) and/or port 443 (HTTPS)
Server Name Indication (SNI) configured if using HTTPS
Website must be functional and accessible

Can I apply if my website is hosted internationally?

No. According to ICASA requirements, websites must be hosted within South Africa to qualify for zero-rating. Cloud hosting services typically do not qualify as local hosting.

Application Process

How long does the approval process take?

The automated validation provides immediate feedback. However, ICASA review time varies depending on application volume and completeness. Most applications are reviewed within 7-14 business days, but complex cases may take longer.

What happens after I submit my application?

After submission:

The portal validates your technical information
ICASA reviews your application for compliance
If approved, operators are notified to implement zero-rating
You receive notifications as each operator implements your site

Can I update my technical information after approval?

Yes. You can submit technical changes through the portal for ICASA approval. This allows you to update IP addresses, ports, or other technical details as needed. Each change must be approved by ICASA before operators implement it.

Technical Support

What is Server Name Indication (SNI)?

SNI allows multiple HTTPS websites to share the same IP address. It's required when your website uses HTTPS (port 443) and shares an IP address with other websites. Your hosting provider can help configure SNI if needed.

How do I find my website's IP address?

You can find your IP address using:

Online tools like whatismyipaddress.com
Command prompt: ping yourdomain.com
Asking your hosting provider
The portal's automated validation tool

What ports should I use?

Port 80 for standard HTTP traffic and/or port 443 for secure HTTPS traffic. The portal will test both and recommend the best configuration for your website. Most modern websites use both ports.

Implementation & Access

How do users know my website is zero-rated?

Your approved website will appear in the public list of zero-rated sites on this portal. Users can search for and verify that websites are zero-rated. Operators may also indicate zero-rated status in their apps or customer communications.

What if users report problems accessing my zero-rated site?

Users can report problems through this portal, which notifies the relevant operators. You'll receive notifications about any reported issues and can work with operators to resolve them. The portal tracks implementation status across all operators.

Can I check my website's zero-rating status?

Yes. The public portal shows which operators have implemented zero-rating for each approved website. You can search for your website to see real-time implementation status across all participating operators.