On May 16, 2026, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) released draft updates to the 2010 Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations. This follows the completion of their review into satellite service licensing.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released the revised fee schedule for radio frequency spectrum licenses, which takes effect on 1 April 2026.
As of April 1, 2024, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has adjusted radio frequency spectrum license fees. The fees have been raised by 6% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). You can find the updated price per MHz paired of allocated spectrum below.
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 948
- New fee (ZAR) R3 125
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R177
- New fee (ZAR) R188
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R73 699
- New fee (ZAR) R78 121
[3 April 2023]
Radio frequency spectrum license fees in South Africa are going up 6.9% starting April 1, 2023, in line with inflation.
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2023
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 758
- New fee (ZAR) R2 948
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R166
- New fee (ZAR) R177
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R68 942
- New fee (ZAR) R73 699
[1 April 2022]
Radio frequency spectrum license fees are set to rise by 4.5% starting April 1st, 2022, as per ICASA’s annual adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2022
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 639
- New fee (ZAR) R2 758
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R159
- New fee (ZAR) R166
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R65 973
- New fee (ZAR)R68 942
[1 April 2021]
South Africa’s Radio Frequency Spectrum Landscape: ICASA Announces 3.3% Increase in License Fees Effective April 1st
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2021
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 555
- New fee (ZAR) R2 639
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R154
- New fee (ZAR) R159
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R63 865
- New fee (ZAR) R65 973
[25 March 2020]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase of 4.1% for radio frequency spectrum license fees, effective April 1st, 2020. This adjustment reflects the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2020
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 454
- New fee (ZAR) R2 555
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R148
- New fee (ZAR) R154
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R61 350
- New fee (ZAR) R63 856
[2 April 2019]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. These new fees will take effect on April 1, 2019, and represent a 4.7% rise based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
High-Density Areas Remain Unchanged
There are no changes to the definition of “High Density” areas for calculating the geographic factor (GEO) in the fee structure. These areas remain:
- Gauteng Province
- Cape Town Municipality
- eThekwini Municipality
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 344
- New fee (ZAR) R2 454
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R141
- New fee (ZAR) R148
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R58 596
- New fee (ZAR) R61 350
[23 March 2018]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. Effective April 1, 2018, these fees will rise by 5.3%, reflecting the average Consumer Price Index (CPI).
No Change to High-Density Areas:
The geographic factor (GEO) remains unchanged for “High Density” areas. These areas include:
- Gauteng Province
- Cape Town Municipality
- eThekwini Municipality
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 226
- New fee (ZAR) R2 344
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R134
- New fee (ZAR) R141
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R55 647
- New fee (ZAR) R58 596
[27 March 2017]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. Effective April 1st, 2016, all fees will go up by 6.4% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The announcement also clarifies the definition of “High Density” areas for the “GEO factor” used in calculating fees. These areas include:
- Gauteng Province
- Cape Town Municipality
- eThekwini Municipality
Notice in terms of Regulation 9A of Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Fee Amendment Regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 092
- New fee (ZAR) R2 226
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R126
- New fee (ZAR) R134
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R52 300
- New fee (ZAR) R55 647
[31 March 2016]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. Effective April 1, 2016, all fees will be raised by 4.6% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
High-Density Areas Clarified
The announcement also clarifies the definition of “High Density” areas for calculating the “GEO factor” in license fees. These areas now include:
- Gauteng Province
- Cape Town Municipality
- eThekwini Municipality
Notice in terms of Regulation 9A of Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Fee Amendment Regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
- Old fee (ZAR) R2 000
- New fee (ZAR) R2 092
Minimum Fee
- Old fee (ZAR) R120
- New fee (ZAR) R126
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
- Old fee (ZAR) R50 000
- New fee (ZAR) R52 300
[1 April 2015]
After completing the process, ICASA published the finalized Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Amendment Regulations 2015 in the Government Gazette on March 30th, 2015. The amendments became effective on the same day.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Amendment Regulations 2015
Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Fees
[16 May 2026]
On May 16, 2026, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) released draft updates to the 2010 Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations. This follows the completion of their review into satellite service licensing.
The proposed changes aim to:
Draft Amendment of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations 2010
Stakeholders have until June 29, 2026, at 16:00 to submit written feedback. Submissions should be directed to the Project Manager, Mr. Mandla Mchunu, via email at rramendments@icasa.org.za (with a copy to mmchunu@icasa.org.za).
[20 March 2026]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released the revised fee schedule for radio frequency spectrum licenses, which takes effect on 1 April 2026.
__
[26 March 2024]
As of April 1, 2024, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has adjusted radio frequency spectrum license fees. The fees have been raised by 6% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). You can find the updated price per MHz paired of allocated spectrum below.
ICASA Notice regarding the increase of radio frequency spectrum licence fees March 2024
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[3 April 2023]
Radio frequency spectrum license fees in South Africa are going up 6.9% starting April 1, 2023, in line with inflation.
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2023
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[1 April 2022]
Radio frequency spectrum license fees are set to rise by 4.5% starting April 1st, 2022, as per ICASA’s annual adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2022
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[1 April 2021]
South Africa’s Radio Frequency Spectrum Landscape: ICASA Announces 3.3% Increase in License Fees Effective April 1st
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2021
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[25 March 2020]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase of 4.1% for radio frequency spectrum license fees, effective April 1st, 2020. This adjustment reflects the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations 2020
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[2 April 2019]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. These new fees will take effect on April 1, 2019, and represent a 4.7% rise based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
High-Density Areas Remain Unchanged
There are no changes to the definition of “High Density” areas for calculating the geographic factor (GEO) in the fee structure. These areas remain:
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[23 March 2018]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. Effective April 1, 2018, these fees will rise by 5.3%, reflecting the average Consumer Price Index (CPI).
No Change to High-Density Areas:
The geographic factor (GEO) remains unchanged for “High Density” areas. These areas include:
Notice in terms of regulation 9A of radio frequency spectrum licence fee amendment regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[27 March 2017]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. Effective April 1st, 2016, all fees will go up by 6.4% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The announcement also clarifies the definition of “High Density” areas for the “GEO factor” used in calculating fees. These areas include:
Notice in terms of Regulation 9A of Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Fee Amendment Regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[31 March 2016]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an annual increase in radio frequency spectrum license fees. Effective April 1, 2016, all fees will be raised by 4.6% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
High-Density Areas Clarified
The announcement also clarifies the definition of “High Density” areas for calculating the “GEO factor” in license fees. These areas now include:
Notice in terms of Regulation 9A of Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Fee Amendment Regulations
Unit Price per MHz paired
Minimum Fee
Minimum Fee for a Satellite Hub Station
[3 May 2015]
An update to these regulations was published on April 30, 2015, to address minor issues in the previous version.
Radio Frequency Fees (Second) Amendment Regulations 2015
[1 April 2015]
After completing the process, ICASA published the finalized Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Amendment Regulations 2015 in the Government Gazette on March 30th, 2015. The amendments became effective on the same day.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Amendment Regulations 2015
[8 December 2014]
ICASA is proposing changes to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations 2010. These changes would allow for the use of radio frequencies above 50 GHz and offer a discount to security services for their spectrum usage. People have until February 13th, 2014 to submit their comments on the proposal.
Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Amendment Regulations 2014
Related link:
Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Fee Regulations 2010
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