Defend net neutrality in South Africa at all costs

South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) believes that there is no place for discrimination in South Africa’s landscape – online or otherwise.

This follows confirmation by the Association that there should be no blocking of any lawful websites, content, applications or services.

“Net neutrality affects every one of South Africa’s Internet users,” said ISPA regulatory advisor, Dominic Cull.

“An independent judiciary, regular elections, and a free press are traditionally seen as some of the most important hallmarks of a functioning democracy,” he said.

“To this list should be added net neutrality, or the inability of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), government or major corporations to discriminate against Internet traffic or content they don’t want you to access.”

“The Internet was born neutral and that single most important founding principle should always be top-of-mind.”

Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Hlengiwe Mkhize reiterated this point speaking at the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Summit earlier this year.

“All Internet traffic must be treated equally, without discrimination, restriction or interference, regardless of the sender, receiver, content, device, service, or application,” Mkhize said.

How do you feel about net neutrality in South Africa? Let us know in the comments below and in our forums.