[2 April 2024]
ICASA has announced proposed changes to the radio frequency spectrum roadmap for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in South Africa.
Draft International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Roadmap 2024
Written submissions are due by 16:00 on Monday, 10 June 2024. They can be sent via email to Mr. Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho at rmakgotlho@icasa.org.za, with a cc to jdikgale@icasa.org.za.
The proposed updates to the Roadmap are based on resolutions made during the Radiocommunication Assembly 2023. This Roadmap outlines the frequency bands designated for IMT deployment and requires inter- or intra-band migration of existing licensees, following feasibility studies where applicable.
Once finalized, this IMT Roadmap will replace the IMT Roadmap 2019 and update the Frequency Migration Plan 2019.
[29 March 2024]
ICASA is reviewing the Frequency Migration Plan again and is seeking comments on a new draft.
Draft Frequency Migration Plan 27 March 2024
The deadline for written comments is 16:00 on Friday, 31 May 2024. Submissions can be emailed to Mr. Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho at rmakgotlho@icasa.org.za, with a cc to jdikgale@icasa.org.za.
[26 December 2021]
ICASA released a findings document on 24 December 2021 regarding its inquiry into the execution of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan and the IMT Roadmap.
Findings Document: Implementation of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan and IMT Roadmap
Submissions are due by 16:00 on Friday, 11 February 2022, and should be sent to Mr. Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho at rmakgotlho@icasa.org.za, with a cc to jdikgale@icasa.org.za.
[1 October 2021]
ICASA initiated an “Inquiry on the implementation of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan and the IMT Roadmap” for public feedback. This aims to assess current usage of certain frequency bands and ensure enough spectrum for broadband and other services over the next 3-5 years.
Inquiry on the implementation of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan and the IMT Roadmap
Submissions are due by 16:00 on Friday, 03 December 2021, and should address the questions provided in the inquiry.
Questions seeking clarity on the inquiry notice can be submitted by 15 October 2021, with responses to be provided by 1 November 2021.
Inquiries and submissions can be directed to Mr. Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho at rmakgotlho@icasa.org.za, cc: jdikgale@icasa.org.za.
This inquiry is focused on identifying spectrum for IMT and planning the migration of current users out of these bands, replacing them with new users. ICASA will modify the radio frequency spectrum assignment plans (RFSAPs) for bands impacted by migration. RFSAPs define permitted uses and applicable conditions for a spectrum band.
The inquiry differentiates between:
- Category 1 Bands: A broad range of spectrum bands under consideration for migration and RFSAPs.
- Category 2 Bands: A specific set of 14 IMT bands and 8 other bands for in-depth analysis. ICASA is evaluating assigning the 14 IMT bands to IMT, migrating existing users into the other 8 bands, or considering other uses for these bands.
Detailed questions are provided for each category, focusing on the feasibility and costs associated with potential migrations.
[2 April 2019]
ICASA has released the final version of the Frequency Migration Plan 2019.
Final Radio Frequency Migration Plan 2019
[29 October 2018]
Below are the submissions related to the Draft Radio Frequency Migration Plan Regulations 2018:
- Cell C
- COCT (A)
- COCT (B)
- Denel
- eMedia
- Huawei
- Intelsat
- Liquid Telecom SA
- MTN
- Multichoice, MNET & Orbicom
- Netstar
- Nokia
- SABC
- Telkom
- Transnet
- Vodacom
[24 August 2018]
ICASA invited written submissions on the Draft Radio Frequency Migration Plan Regulations 2018, due by 12 October 2018, followed by public hearings on 25 and 26 October 2018.
[22 January 2014]
ICASA issued an Invitation to Bid for services related to the implementation of the digital migration regulations and plan (see below for documents). The detailed description:
Appointment of a service provider to conduct feasibility studies of frequency band migration based on the Frequency Band Migration Regulation and Plan as stated in Government Gazette No 36334, Notice No 352 of 3rd April 2013, over a period of three months on a 90/10 PPPFA 2000: Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2011.
Bids must be submitted by 17 February 2014.
[7 April 2013]
ICASA released the final Frequency Migration Regulations and Frequency Migration Plan documents on 2 April 2013.
ICASA Frequency Migration Regulations and Frequency Migration Plan 2013
FMR FMP Reasons Document April 2013
[1 March 2013]
Public participation for this process has concluded. Submissions in response to ICASA’s request for feedback on the Second Draft Frequency Migration Regulations and Plan (links provided in the 28 December 2012 update) include:
[8 February 2013]
The deadline for comments has been extended to 18 February 2013.
[28 December 2012]
Following initial drafts and hearings (details below), ICASA published a second draft of the Frequency Migration Regulations and Plan on 24 December 2012.
Comments are due by 16:00 on 8 February 2013.
2nd Draft Frequency Migration Regulations and Frequency Migration Plan
[25 October 2012]
Final Schedule for Oral Hearings
[22 October 2012]
Draft schedule for oral presentations
Below are links to submissions made in response to the draft:
- Altech
- BanziNET
- Cell C
- CSIR
- Ericsson
- Eskom
- ESOA
- ESOA Satellite
- eTV
- GSMA
- GVF
- Inmarsat
- Intelsat
- ISPA
- ITUR_Spectrum-Redeployment
- MIMOtech
- Mnet
- MTN
- NAB
- Neotel
- Orbicom
- PalmTree
- Qualcomm
- RSR
- SAPS
- SAPS-auction
- SAPS Public Safety
- SAPS-WhitePaper
- Sentech
- SKA
- SmileTelecom
- Telemedia
- Telkom
- Transnet
- Vodacom
- WAPA
[18 September 2012]
ICASA published Draft Frequency Migration Regulations and a Draft Frequency Migration Plan for public comment (Government Gazette 35598, 17 August 2012).
Draft Frequency Migration Regulation & Frequency Migration Plan
Submissions are due by 28 September 2012. The deadline was later extended to 12 October 2012.
The draft Regulations aim to establish a framework for migrating radio frequency spectrum users according to the National Radio Frequency Spectrum Band Plan.
Comment: ICASA’s effort appears commendable. The draft Regulations are concise, outlining the steps and considerations ICASA will take in migration processes. These processes align with the finalized Spectrum Migration Plan, international obligations, or aims to enhance spectrum efficiency. The draft Regulations cover both out-of-band and in-band migrations.
The Draft Frequency Migration Plan specifies ICASA’s intentions for specific bands. While opinions on these plans may vary, the document is thorough and well-considered.