The Wireless Application Service Providers' Association (WASPA) was launched on 26 August 2004 in South Africa with the full support of the three SA network operators: Cell C, MTN and Vodacom. In order to uphold public perception of mobile services and to protect against bad practices, it was decided that a strong industry body was needed, with an appropriate code of conduct, representing the interests of its members and consumers, by enforcing the good practices established by this code.

WASPA's mission is to provide a non-profit forum in which members can address issues of common interest and interface with industry stakeholders, network operators, government and regulatory organizations, both locally and internationally so that end-users receive world-class service and industry participants earn a fair return on their investments.