Johannesburg - After several years of back and forth, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) seems to finally be getting on with issuing spectrum in high-demand frequencies.
On Friday, the authority published an invitation to apply for spectrum in the 700MHz, 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands.
The lower bands will be freed up when SA migrates to digital television, which should have been completed some time ago, and can be used by mobile operators to provide broadband to rural areas.
The 2.6 GHz frequency has been available for some time, but several issues have impeded its allocation. Mobile operators are keen on that band to deliver faster broadband, such as long-term evolution.
LTE is currently made available because operators refarm spectrum, but this is costly and often impedes quality of service.
In a statement issued on Friday, ICASA says the main aim of licensing the spectrum is to ensure nationwide broadband access for all citizens by 2020 in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) and SA Connect Policy.
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The licensing of this spectrum will go a long way in:
1. prioritising connectivity in roll-out obligations throughout the country
2. promoting investment in the sector to facilitate economic growth
3. prescribing high standards for quality of services, and
4. implementing measures to promote affordability of services
“South Africa experiences continued growth in demand for more spectrum as a result of significant growth in data traffic. The lack of availability of spectrum ... brings constraints and challenges in the provision of broadband services.”
The authority adds mobile telecommunication technologies are a critical component in achieving the goal of 'broadband for all citizens' in South Africa.
IOL