[31 August 2014]
It is important to note that this process was not finalized and is now considered to be discontinued. The development of an updated radio frequency spectrum policy remains unresolved.
[1 February 2012]
Today’s Government Gazette included a notice extending the comment period for the ICASA process until February 29th, 2012. This will likely necessitate a revised timeline for the process initiation.
The Minister of Communications has released two draft policy directions for public feedback. These directions will guide the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) once finalized.
Comment is due by 31 January 2011.
The release of draft directions for spectrum allocation seems to have been triggered by ICASA’s earlier announcement about publishing a draft plan for assigning spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. To incorporate the Minister’s policy, ICASA postponed publishing the draft plan. This collaboration is evident, as the draft directions have been factored into the spectrum assignment plan. ICASA confirmed this approach in a media release titled “ICASA will Consider Minister’s Policy Directions when Licensing High Demand Spectrum.”
The draft directions are a promising step towards modernizing South Africa’s spectrum management. We’re especially encouraged by the inclusion of TV White Space technology, which has the potential to significantly improve internet access. This investigation by ICASA can pave the way for innovative approaches to spectrum utilization – Ellipsis has actively lobbied the previous Minister in this regard on behalf of WAPA.