The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is in the process of formulating a Long-Term Spectrum Outlook to guide mobile spectrum use over the next decade and beyond. During a presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, ICASA council member Andrew Matseke outlined the critical elements that will shape this spectrum roadmap.
This strategic document will assess essential regulatory, technical, and economic factors while integrating both regional and international best practices. Matseke emphasised that ICASA will conduct extensive analyses of various aspects, including capacity requirements, frequency reallocations, procedural alignments, and the necessary data infrastructure to support different mobile systems.
Establishing clear spectrum management objectives is pivotal to this Long-Term Spectrum Outlook. Matseke noted that developing strategic frameworks would provide a foundation for future decisions on spectrum allocation in South Africa. The objective is to create a structured pathway that ensures equitable access to spectrum resources while anticipating future developments to meet current and future demand.
Ahead of finalising the plan, ICASA has pledged to release the full spectrum outlook roadmap for public consultation to gather insights from stakeholders and industry participants. This engagement is vital for addressing the concerns raised by members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, particularly regarding the absence of specific timelines for ICASA’s progress reports and the finalisation of the long-term strategy by 2028.
ICASA representatives acknowledged the concerns but could not provide concrete answers at the meeting. They suggested organising a half-day workshop with the Portfolio Committee to establish key dates and milestones moving forward.
The radio frequency spectrum is crucial for enabling wireless communications across a myriad of sectors, including mobile networks, broadcasting, and vehicle tracking services. In April 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies introduced new regulations to modernise South Africa’s digital ecosystem and reduce service costs. This initiative, known as the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill of 2026, emphasises collaboration by mandating spectrum sharing, favouring smaller networks and MVNOs, thereby fostering a more inclusive telecommunications landscape.
Overall, the bill signals a paradigm shift from the previous “use it or lose it” directive to a more proactive “use it or share it” policy, ensuring that the spectrum remains a valuable, shared resource in South Africa’s telecom sector.
