Media Contact: Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509 will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release ACTING CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SOUTH AFRICAN COUNTERPART New MOU is First Such International Telecommunications Policy Partnership Between the FCC and a Sub-Saharan African Nation in Decades -- WASHINGTON, April 8, 2021—Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. The first such MOU between the FCC and a sub-Saharan African nation in more than twenty years, this agreement seeks to increase coordination and the exchange of best practices on fifth generation (5G) technologies, network security, and other policy issues. After signing the agreement, Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel issued the following statement: “So much can be accomplished through cooperation and the mutually respectful sharing of knowledge and experience. Today, I’m proud to have formalized our partnership with our friends in South Africa on issues of telecommunications policy, network security, competitive markets, technological innovation, and closing the digital divide in both countries. As we look ahead, I am eager to work together on priorities like 5G, rural connectivity, digital television, consumer protection, and emergency communications. I thank Dr. Modimoeng for his leadership and partnership and look forward to further exchanges with ICASA. And I thank our International Bureau team and our partners in the State Department for their work on this effort.” ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).