1. Could you introduce the role of ICTA in driving Mauritius’ digital transformation and shaping a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven ICT ecosystem?
The ICT Authority is the regulator for the ICT sector in Mauritius. It was created by an Act of Parliament in 2001. Our main objective is to license and regulate the ICT sector, meaning we issue licenses to all service providers, including mobile operators, fixed-line operators, and internet service providers.
We also oversee tariff regulation, spectrum management, and numbering resources. Another important part of our role concerns public infrastructure and cybersecurity.
As the ICT regulator, we do not only regulate telecom; we also regulate the ICT sector more broadly. Our mandate covers cybersecurity measures, specifically digital signatures. ICTA acts as the apex agency, licensing certification authorities to issue digital certificates for secure online document signing.
Another cybersecurity mandate we have is filtering online child sexual abuse material. We have required Internet service providers to implement technical filtering systems so that abusive content is blocked in Mauritius.
2. Digital infrastructure is the backbone of a modern economy. What key initiatives is ICTA implementing to strengthen broadband connectivity, expand network coverage, and enhance Mauritius’ readiness for 5G deployment?
We have always been proactive in managing spectrum. From 2G to 5G, operators in Mauritius have been able to deploy new technologies in parallel with much larger countries because we make spectrum available early.
Mauritius does not use spectrum auctions. Instead, spectrum fees are fixed based on bandwidth requirements. This approach allows operators to allocate more financial resources toward network deployment rather than paying high auction fees.
5G has been a reality in Mauritius since 2021, and operators are already testing 5.5G. We have also prepared plans to open new frequency bands and are examining next-generation technologies.
We are additionally developing a more flexible licensing framework. Our current system dates back to 2003 and is outdated. A new unified licensing regime, based on models used in Singapore and Malaysia, is part of the national digital blueprint and will modernize our regulatory landscape.
We are also advising government on reviewing key legislation, including the Electronic Transactions Act, which is essential for enabling digital trade aligned with the UN CETRA model and with the UAE’s digital trade framework under CEPA.
3. With growing interest in satellite connectivity, how is ICTA integrating low-Earth-orbit satellite technology to extend high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas?
Mainland Mauritius is fully covered by both wireless and fiber connectivity. Rodrigues Island is also connected via fiber-optic cable. However, Agalega, another outer island, does not have submarine cable access.
Using the Universal Service Fund, ICTA has financed satellite connectivity for Agalega for several years. With recent advancements in low-Earth-orbit (NGSO) satellites, we issued a decision in May outlining how these services can be offered in Mauritius.
To protect local ISPs, we require NGSO services to be delivered through licensed Mauritian ISPs. OneWeb has already been authorized and is operational through its local partner, Emtel.
4. Service quality and consumer protection are essential pillars of ICT regulation. What measures is ICTA taking to ensure reliable network performance, promote fair competition, and empower users through initiatives like MNP?
For quality of service, we are finalizing a crowdsourcing-based quality of service assessment system. A new application, soon to be launched, will allow the public to test the quality of their mobile and home internet. The data collected will help us evaluate and ensure service quality across the country.
Regarding competition, ICTA oversees ex-ante competition issues such as tariffs and interconnection. Ex-post matters fall under the Competition Commission of Mauritius (CCM), with which we have an MoU. We collaborate closely on any ICT-related investigations.
5. Cybersecurity is increasingly strategic at the national level. Could you tell us more about the upcoming Cyber Security Agency and how it will reinforce Mauritius’ cyber resilience and data protection capabilities?
Mauritius has adopted a decentralized approach to cybersecurity under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Act. Various sectors will be designated as critical information infrastructure (CII), with each sector regulator responsible for implementing cybersecurity measures at its level.
ICTA’s mandate is to impose cybersecurity requirements on ICT infrastructure and service providers. We are preparing directives that will require telecom operators and ISPs to implement specific cybersecurity safeguards.
On the Cell Broadcast Centre (CBC):
Mauritius is increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters, especially flooding. Under the UN’s Early Warning for All initiative, ICTA is collaborating with the International Telecommunication Union to set up a Cell Broadcast Centre. This will allow operators to send emergency alerts directly to mobile phones in targeted geographic areas.
6. Emerging technologies such as AI, fintech, and IoT are transforming economies worldwide. How is ICTA fostering a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while maintaining strong governance and ethical standards?
Our fundamental approach is light-touch regulation so that innovation is not stifled. For AI, ICTA participated actively in the preparation of the national digital blueprint. AI spans multiple sectors, so we are working with government, regulators, and public-private stakeholders to create an operational framework for responsible and ethical AI deployment.
ICTA will regulate AI-related risks within the telecom sector, while other sector regulators will do the same in their domains. A new national AI governance office will serve as the apex body to ensure that AI is deployed responsibly across the country.
7. Mauritius has positioned itself as a digital hub for the Indian Ocean and Africa. How does ICTA contribute to strengthening the country’s regional and global digital connectivity?
ICTA contributes at regional level through organizations such as SADC and CRASA, where we work on regulatory harmonization. At the continental level, we engage actively with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), particularly on spectrum management and preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027.
Recently, Mauritius created several new sub-committees to reinforce regional positioning, including one focused specifically on ICT and AI. The goal is to position Mauritius as a data-processing and AI-ready hub, leveraging its data centers for sanitized data preparation, one of the core pillars of AI systems. In February next year, Mauritius will hold a regional roadshow to promote this vision.
8. International cooperation is key to smart infrastructure. How is ICTA engaging with partners in the Gulf, especially the UAE, to exchange expertise and support innovation in telecom and digital transformation?
ICTA typically engages internationally through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our participation in CEPA discussions has taken place through that channel. According to the Economic Development Board, a delegation of more than 40 institutions from the UAE will visit Mauritius at the end of November, and we expect to meet and explore collaboration opportunities, particularly in areas related to harmonizing legal and regulatory frameworks.
9. As the digital economy evolves rapidly, what are the main challenges ICTA faces in balancing technological progress, security, and accessibility for operations?
One of our biggest challenges is scale. Mauritius, with only 1.3 million people, is a small market for global tech companies. This makes it difficult for us to have significant influence when addressing issues such as compliance with local regulations, online harms, or social media abuses.
Child-online protection is another challenge. Ensuring children are shielded from harmful online content or inappropriate sharing is increasingly complex and is a global problem, but particularly challenging for a small market with limited local representation from major platforms.
10. To finish, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about Mauritius’ vision of becoming a trusted, high-performance digital hub for connectivity and innovation?
Mauritius has a proactive, serious, and forward-looking ICT regulator. ICTA remains open to listening to all stakeholders and is flexible and willing to review and modernize regulatory frameworks whenever necessary. Our vision is to support an open, innovative, and trusted digital ecosystem that drives sustainable national growth.
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