About ISPA

ISPA’s structure

ISPA NPC is a non profit company with members (registration number 2016/167416/08). It was founded in 1996 as a voluntary association and incorporated in 2016. ISPA has a Board of Directors who are elected by the members of ISPA for a three-year term. Each voting member of ISPA has an equal vote, and any member providing Internet access services in South Africa qualifies as a voting member.

ISPA recognition

On 20 May 2009, ISPA was formally recognised by the Minister of Communications as an Industry Representative Body (IRB) in terms of section 71 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (Act 25 of 2002). This recognition gives the members of ISPA special recognition and limited liability for Internet content.

Regulatory representation, advice and support

ISPA has influenced and shaped telecommunications policy in South Africa since its formation in 1996. The Association has provided submissions and feedback to such key pieces of legislation as the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, the Electronic Communications Act, the ICASA Amendment Act, and the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communicated-related Information Act.

Monthly video briefings are offered to ISPA members on industry developments and regulatory news. ISPA also publishes advisories on key issues, with the goal of delivering short, easy to read advice on what ISPs need to do to comply with each set of legislation or regulations. ISPA’s regulatory advisor is also available to provide support and advice to members.

Partnerships

Over the years, ISPA has developed good working relationships with governmental bodies, including ICASA, the Film and Publications Board, and SAPS and other industry associations, including WAPA, SABRIC and FTTX Council Africa. ISPA maintains relationships with similar associations in other countries, in order to share information and experiences on similar industry issues.

Mediation and complaints handling

ISPA handles many requests from consumers to mediate in disputes with ISPs. The mediation process provides a useful safety value for customers who have perhaps not reached the right person within an ISP to resolve their problem. ISPA’s mediation process ensures as much information is collected about the matter and that it is escalated to the appropriate point of contact, to maximise the chances of a swift resolution. In cases where the mediation process does not resolve the problem, the formal complaints process supports an independent adjudicator review process.

Code of Conduct and consumer confidence benefits

All ISPA members are bound by the ISPA Code of Conduct. This Code requires all members to meet certain standards in terms of privacy, consumer protection, and protection of vulnerable persons. Members of the public buying services from ISPA members know that they are being presented with honest and accurate information about those services, and have recourse if they are not.

ISPA receives many complaints from consumers against non-members of ISPA. Once these complainants discover that they have no recourse because their service provider is not a member of ISPA, they often express an intention to move their business to one of ISPA’s members.

Take-down notice process

In accordance with our recognition as an IRB, ISPA operates a take-down notice process on behalf of its members. This process allows for unlawful content hosted by ISPA’s members to be reported, and, where necessary, acted upon. This process facilitates the removal of phishing and fraud sites from the South African Internet. By supporting the take-down notice process, ISPA’s members gain special limitations on liability for content.

Security initiatives

ISPA has an active Security Working Group, that monitors national cybersecurity developments and engages other industry bodies with cybersecurity programs. ISPA operates the industry iCode project which is designed to combat infected end-user machines on the South African Internet. ISPA is also active in promoting online safety, with a section of its website dedicated to safety resources and a poster project.

Internet exchanges

ISPA founded South Africa’s first Internet exchange in Johannesburg in 1996, and it has operated continuously (with no unplanned downtime!) since then.  Now run under the auspices of INX-ZA, there are now exchange points spanning multiple locations in three cities. ISPA’s members enjoy discounted access to the INX-ZA exchanges.

Events

ISPA facilitates regular events for members, including regular online regulatory briefing sessions for members. In addition, ISPA facilitates a number of training workshops each year.

Social Development

ISPA’s Social Development Working Group is responsible for addressing ICT skills development through various projects and outreaches.

Personal information policy

All ISPA members are required to sign a membership undertaking which confirms that they will comply with all of the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in respect of personal information collected by either ISPA or ISPA’s members. ISPA’s personal information policy is available here.