The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has officially published its final regulations regarding the use of “innovation spectrum,” resolving a long-standing issue in South African spectrum policy.
Under the newly introduced regulations, the lower 6GHz band (5.925-6.425GHz) will be available without a license, allowing wireless internet service providers (Wisps), Wi-Fi networks, private entities, and community operators to access it on a shared basis—rather than being auctioned to mobile network carriers.
Additionally, Icasa has opened the 3.8-4.2GHz band on a licensed but discounted basis, which is expected to support the development of “standalone 5G” services.
Paul Colmer from the Wireless Access Providers’ Association expressed that the allocation of the lower 6GHz band is “the most important thing Icasa has ever done in its entire history” for the wireless sector, comparing its significance to the 2006 decision that enabled Wisps to construct their own networks.
The introduction of 500 MHz of clean spectrum marks a pivotal shift for Wisps, which currently operate on approximately 125 MHz of crowded 5.8 GHz unlicensed spectrum. This new capacity will enable them to provide high-speed fixed-wireless services capable of reaching hundreds of megabits per second and even gigabit speeds, positioning Wisps as strong competitors against fibre internet services.
These advancements may propel wireless technology not just to match but potentially to surpass fibre-based internet in terms of speed, offering data rates of up to 1Gbit/s or more with quicker deployment times.
The regulations, published on May 22, follow a 14-month consultation period that began with draft regulations in March 2025, which incorporated public hearings, coexistence simulations, and field testing in Durban.
Access to the spectrum will be managed through a “unified spectrum switch” (USS). This geo-location database dynamically calculates operational parameters, ensuring that secondary users do not disrupt primary operators, such as satellite earth stations.
The licence-exempt status for the lower 6GHz band represents a significant victory for the unlicensed Wi-Fi community in a global debate over the band. The Wireless Access Providers’ Association has predicted that using 1.2 GHz and 6 GHz could add R560 billion to GDP.
As part of the regulatory framework, provisions are made to benefit smaller operators. The framework is characterised as “non-market-based, non-competitive,” aimed at “non-dominant players, SMMEs, and community network operators.” Notably, a limit of three contiguous coverage cells in the 3.8-4.2GHz band prevents any single entity from monopolising the spectrum, while rural operators receive twice the channel allocation as urban ones.
The new regulations enable Wisps and other operators to deploy 5G Standalone technology in the 3.8-4.2GHz band for the first time, with applications anticipated in areas like open-pit mining, smart agriculture, university campuses, and autonomous vehicle networks. Colmer highlighted mining as a key opportunity, noting the shift from unstable 5.8GHz mesh networks used for critical systems on autonomous machinery.
The technical framework relies heavily on the CSIR’s USS database, which was developed under the leadership of chief researcher Luzangu Mfupe. The standardised communication protocol for accessing the USS has now been formally established.
However, it’s important to note that the regulations are not yet in effect. According to Section 24, they “shall come into effect at a date to be determined by the authority (Icasa) via notice in a Government Gazette.”
A critical decision still pending is the appointment of the USS provider, the organisation responsible for operating the database. Although the regulations do not specify a provider, the CSIR appears to be the likely candidate given its role in developing the technology.
