[16 May 2026]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released draft updates to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015. This follows the completion of the regulator’s formal investigation into how satellite services are licensed.
Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2026
Call for Public Comments
Stakeholders are invited to submit written feedback on the Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2026.
- Deadline: 29 June 2026 at 16:00
- Attention: Mr. Mandla Mchunu (Project Manager)
- Submission Emails: rramendments@icasa.org.za (cc: mmchunu@icasa.org.za)
Key Proposed Amendments
The draft introduces two crucial additions to the existing Radio Regulations:
- Section 28A: Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) Establishes a new regulatory framework to authorize and govern the operation of mobile satellite terminals (ESIMs) within South African borders.
- Section 28B: Satellite Space Segment Introduces mandatory registration protocols for international satellite operators. To operate in South Africa, these foreign providers must comply with interference management guidelines and provide the necessary technical capabilities to support lawful interception under the RICA Act.
[17 April 2025]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an extension of the payment deadline for prescribed license fees and the renewal of radio frequency spectrum licenses to June 30, 2025, from the original date of March 31, 2025. According to the newly published “Extension of the Due Date for the Renewal of Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences Regulations, 2025,” licenses valid on March 31, 2025, will remain valid until the extended deadline. However, failure to pay by June 30, 2025, will result in automatic license expiration on July 1, 2025, at which point the regulations will also lapse.
Extension of the Due Date for the Renewal of Radio Frequhttps://mcklaw.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Extension-of-the-Due-Date-for-the-Renewal-of-Radio-Frequency-Spectrum-Licences-Regulations-2025.pdfency Spectrum Licences Regulations, 2025
[25 May 2023]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released the Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations, 2023. This update focuses on Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015.
What’s Annexure B?
It’s a table outlining specific radio frequencies where certain devices can operate without needing a license. In simpler terms, it defines which radio devices you can use freely in South Africa.
Amended Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2023
[16 December 2022]
The South African communications regulator, ICASA, is proposing to expand license-exempt radio frequency spectrum options. They’ve released draft amendments for public comment that aim to add two new bands to Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations:
- Lower 6 GHz Band (5925 MHz – 6425 MHz): This band could be used for a variety of short-range applications.
- 122 GHz – 246 GHz Band: This higher frequency band caters to applications requiring ultra-fast data transmission.
ICASA is inviting public submissions on these proposed amendments.
- Deadline: Submissions are due by 4:00 PM on January 30, 2023.
- Contact: Email your comments to Mr. Bethuel Nkgadime at BNkgadime@icasa.org.za.
Notice of Intention to Amend Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2021
ICASA prepares to amend the Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations in respect of short-range devices
[26 December 2021]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has introduced new regulations that simplify radio frequency use for certain devices.
These regulations, published in the Government Gazette on December 24, 2021, update Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations (2015). This annexure essentially outlines which radio devices you can use or own in South Africa without needing a license.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2021
[31 October 2019]
An amendment to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015, was published by ICASA. This amendment modifies paragraph (d) of sub-regulation (3) within Regulation 7.
“(d) has less than 30% (thirty percent) equity ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDP) or is below a level 4 contributor (B-BBEE status) in terms of the Codes of Good Practice published in terms of section 9(1) of the B-BBEE Act.”
Previously:
“(d) has a minimum 30% (thirty percent) equity ownership held by persons from Historically Disadvantaged Groups; alternatively, in instances where an Applicant does not have such 30% equity ownership, must be a level 4 and above contributor (BBBEE status) in terms of the Codes of Good Practice published in terms of section 9(1) of the BBBEE Act.”
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations, 2019
[23 July 2019]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is seeking public input on draft amendments to Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015.
These amendments focus on Annexure B, which outlines licence-exempt radio frequency spectrums.
- Deadline for comments: September 4, 2019
- Submit your comments to Bethuel Nkgadime via email: BNkgadime@icasa.org.za
Draft Amended Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations, 2019
Media release: ICASA begins a process to review Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015
[28 November 2016]
The South African government finalized amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 on November 22nd, 2016, making them official.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2016
[17 June 2016]
Draft Amendment Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released draft amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015 for public comment. These amendments aim to introduce a framework for managing the E and V Bands.
ICASA encourages public participation. Submit your comments by 4:00 PM on August 5th, 2016, via email to Mr. Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho at rmakgotlho@icasa.org.za.
“16A. Channel Plans
The E Band
(1) The use of the E-Band shall be as follows:
(a) The band 71 -76 GHz is paired with 81 – 86 GHz.
(b) The plan is based on 2 x 19 basic channels of 250MHz with 10GHz duplex separation and 125MHz guard channels on the band edges.
(c) The basic channels can be aggregated to form higher bandwidth channels.
(2) The E Band is segmented as follows:
(a) A self-coordination block, 73.375-75.875 GHz paired with 83.375- 85.875 GHz which shall be referred to as Block A; and
(b) A block coordinated fully licensed by the Authority, 71.125- 73.125 GHz paired with 81.125-83.125 GHz which shall be referred to as Block B.
(3) The use of Block A shall be in the following manner:
(a) The prospective user shall notify the Authority of the position and technical details of the link (s) within 30-days of link deployment. Details of what needs to be notified are contained in Annex 1.
(b) Prior to link notification, the prospective user shall perform technical assessments against a database of already registered links. The link can only be registered once it has been established that it won’t cause harmful interference to the links in the database.
(4) The use of Block B shall follow the standard application process as prescribed in the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015.
(5) The Technical parameters reflected in Annexure 3 must be complied with.
The V Band
16B. Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Exemption
(1) The use of the V band is licence exempt provided that technical parameters reflected in Annex B are complied with.
(2) The detailed frequency coordination is not required and there are no prescribed channel arrangements.
(3) Single frequency (TDD) systems and two frequency (FDD) systems may use any channel.
(4) The radio frequency spectrum fee is not applicable.“
[5 May 2015]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued amendments to the recently published Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015. These amendments focus on establishing a clear process for transferring control of radio frequency spectrum licenses.
This update is particularly timely given the ongoing public interest surrounding the proposed Neotel / Vodacom transaction, where spectrum license transfer is a key component.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2015
[1 April 2015]
The South African Government Gazette published the finalized Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015, following their recent revision, on March 31st, 2015.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015
[8 December 2014]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released significant revisions to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2011. These revisions aim to:
- Correct errors and inconsistencies: The previous regulations contained numbering issues, anomalies, and contradictions.
- Align with updated legislation: The revisions ensure the regulations reflect changes introduced by the Electronic Communications Amendment Act 1 of 2014.
- Improve licensing clarity: New provisions address:
- The process for renewing radio frequency spectrum licenses.
- Consequences for failing to renew licenses.
- ICASA’s procedures for handling unauthorized spectrum use.
- Protect user rights: Safeguards are introduced to protect the rights of end-users if a licensee ceases to provide services.
- Establish penalties: Penalties are introduced for violations of section 31(1) of the Electronic Communications Act.
Public comment is welcome until February 13, 2015.
Draft Radio frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations
Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations Explanatory Document
Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015
[16 May 2026]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released draft updates to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015. This follows the completion of the regulator’s formal investigation into how satellite services are licensed.
Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2026
Call for Public Comments
Stakeholders are invited to submit written feedback on the Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2026.
Key Proposed Amendments
The draft introduces two crucial additions to the existing Radio Regulations:
[17 April 2025]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced an extension of the payment deadline for prescribed license fees and the renewal of radio frequency spectrum licenses to June 30, 2025, from the original date of March 31, 2025. According to the newly published “Extension of the Due Date for the Renewal of Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences Regulations, 2025,” licenses valid on March 31, 2025, will remain valid until the extended deadline. However, failure to pay by June 30, 2025, will result in automatic license expiration on July 1, 2025, at which point the regulations will also lapse.
Extension of the Due Date for the Renewal of Radio Frequhttps://mcklaw.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Extension-of-the-Due-Date-for-the-Renewal-of-Radio-Frequency-Spectrum-Licences-Regulations-2025.pdfency Spectrum Licences Regulations, 2025
[25 May 2023]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released the Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations, 2023. This update focuses on Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015.
What’s Annexure B?
It’s a table outlining specific radio frequencies where certain devices can operate without needing a license. In simpler terms, it defines which radio devices you can use freely in South Africa.
Amended Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2023
[16 December 2022]
The South African communications regulator, ICASA, is proposing to expand license-exempt radio frequency spectrum options. They’ve released draft amendments for public comment that aim to add two new bands to Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations:
ICASA is inviting public submissions on these proposed amendments.
Notice of Intention to Amend Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2021
ICASA prepares to amend the Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations in respect of short-range devices
[26 December 2021]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has introduced new regulations that simplify radio frequency use for certain devices.
These regulations, published in the Government Gazette on December 24, 2021, update Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations (2015). This annexure essentially outlines which radio devices you can use or own in South Africa without needing a license.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2021
[31 October 2019]
An amendment to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015, was published by ICASA. This amendment modifies paragraph (d) of sub-regulation (3) within Regulation 7.
“(d) has less than 30% (thirty percent) equity ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDP) or is below a level 4 contributor (B-BBEE status) in terms of the Codes of Good Practice published in terms of section 9(1) of the B-BBEE Act.”
Previously:
“(d) has a minimum 30% (thirty percent) equity ownership held by persons from Historically Disadvantaged Groups; alternatively, in instances where an Applicant does not have such 30% equity ownership, must be a level 4 and above contributor (BBBEE status) in terms of the Codes of Good Practice published in terms of section 9(1) of the BBBEE Act.”
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations, 2019
[23 July 2019]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is seeking public input on draft amendments to Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015.
These amendments focus on Annexure B, which outlines licence-exempt radio frequency spectrums.
Draft Amended Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations, 2019
Media release: ICASA begins a process to review Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015
[28 November 2016]
The South African government finalized amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 on November 22nd, 2016, making them official.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2016
[17 June 2016]
Draft Amendment Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released draft amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015 for public comment. These amendments aim to introduce a framework for managing the E and V Bands.
ICASA encourages public participation. Submit your comments by 4:00 PM on August 5th, 2016, via email to Mr. Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho at rmakgotlho@icasa.org.za.
“16A. Channel Plans
The E Band
(1) The use of the E-Band shall be as follows:
(a) The band 71 -76 GHz is paired with 81 – 86 GHz.
(b) The plan is based on 2 x 19 basic channels of 250MHz with 10GHz duplex separation and 125MHz guard channels on the band edges.
(c) The basic channels can be aggregated to form higher bandwidth channels.
(2) The E Band is segmented as follows:
(a) A self-coordination block, 73.375-75.875 GHz paired with 83.375- 85.875 GHz which shall be referred to as Block A; and
(b) A block coordinated fully licensed by the Authority, 71.125- 73.125 GHz paired with 81.125-83.125 GHz which shall be referred to as Block B.
(3) The use of Block A shall be in the following manner:
(a) The prospective user shall notify the Authority of the position and technical details of the link (s) within 30-days of link deployment. Details of what needs to be notified are contained in Annex 1.
(b) Prior to link notification, the prospective user shall perform technical assessments against a database of already registered links. The link can only be registered once it has been established that it won’t cause harmful interference to the links in the database.
(4) The use of Block B shall follow the standard application process as prescribed in the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015.
(5) The Technical parameters reflected in Annexure 3 must be complied with.
The V Band
16B. Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Exemption
(1) The use of the V band is licence exempt provided that technical parameters reflected in Annex B are complied with.
(2) The detailed frequency coordination is not required and there are no prescribed channel arrangements.
(3) Single frequency (TDD) systems and two frequency (FDD) systems may use any channel.
(4) The radio frequency spectrum fee is not applicable.“
[5 May 2015]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued amendments to the recently published Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015. These amendments focus on establishing a clear process for transferring control of radio frequency spectrum licenses.
This update is particularly timely given the ongoing public interest surrounding the proposed Neotel / Vodacom transaction, where spectrum license transfer is a key component.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations 2015
[1 April 2015]
The South African Government Gazette published the finalized Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015, following their recent revision, on March 31st, 2015.
Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015
[8 December 2014]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released significant revisions to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2011. These revisions aim to:
Public comment is welcome until February 13, 2015.
Draft Radio frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations
Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Amendment Regulations Explanatory Document
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