WASPA stands for the Wireless Application Service Providers' Association, which has established industry regulations and codes of conduct for wireless application service providers in South Africa.

The need for WASPA emerged in 2004. As a result of the massive growth of the mobile phone market, the increased capabilities of mobile phones, and the ability for third parties to bill for services, have led to a proliferation in services and applications for mobile phones. Initially, the WASP business environment was largely unregulated, resulting in some practices damaging consumer confidence.

The idea of an industry body for WASPs was put forward by Leon Perlman in August 2004, and this was supported by WASPs and the network operators. WASPs realized that a sustainable and vibrant industry would require applicable regulations and the need to enforce them using an industry body. WASPA was founded in 2005 and drafted a Code of Conduct shortly after. This code has regularly been updated and is implemented by several independent adjudicators under the auspices of WASPA.

Almost all paid-for mobile content services and all commercial messaging, including application-to-person messaging, involve WASPs. The mobile network operators, however, do also offer some of these services directly. The mobile network operators require all companies providing WASP services in South Africa to belong to WASPA. However, it is essential to note that WASPA is not responsible for mobile billing.

How to Lodge a Spam or Billing Complaint


You can lodge a complaint directly with WASPA if you feel you or your child have been spammed, wish to report misleading advertising for mobile services, or complain about billings related to premium rate SMS services. You can check the WASPA Code of Conduct and the WASPA Advertising Rules to see which mobile industry regulations have been breached.

You can lay a complaint with WASPA online. You can lodge a complaint here. Alternatively, you can contact WASPA via email at 011 476 7710 / 087 805 3328 or fax at 086 606 2016. WASPA's complaint's line operating hours are 08h30 to 16h30.

Before laying a complaint with WASPA,, gather as much information as possible. The following details are essential when submitting a complaint to WASPA so that WASPA can best assist you:
  • Your cellphone number is a contact number if the complaint concerns your child's cellphone number.
  • Your child's cellphone number. Supply all the associated cellphone numbers if this cellphone uses a dual SIM.
  • The actual name of the WASP responsible for the billing or the mobile service. You can determine this by checking your cellphone's itemized bill or calling your service provider. If your bill only describes a service as IBS Subs, WASP Content, or the MTN event billing numbers (083 123 6701 and 083 123 6702), you must contact your service provider for the WASP details. If you know the shortcode or extended code, you can also identify a WASP on the SMS Code website.
  • A detailed description of the problem or complaint. If it is a spam complaint, then a record of the SMS content you received, including the sender's details and date/time information. If it is a subscription service or premium rate mobile content-related problem, then the shortcode (for example, 35010) is associated with the service.

Once you submit a complaint or problem, WASPA contacts the WASP concerned. The WASP has five working days to resolve the matter to your satisfaction. If you are not happy with this, then you can request that the case be reviewed by an independent adjudicator. A decision against a WASP may result in a hefty fine, suspension of their service, or both.

Complaints regarding services offered directly by Vodacom, MTN, or Cell C should instead be directed at them, as WASPA has no jurisdiction over the mobile network operators.