MTN South Africa says it has completed what it believes is Africa’s first 5G-Advanced trial in the upper 6GHz band, achieving peak download speeds of 10.35Gbps at its Randburg headquarters. Conducted under a temporary licence from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the trial used 400MHz of bandwidth and Huawei equipment, including a 5G standalone core, ultra-wideband active antennas and beamforming technology.
Beyond the technical milestone, the trial highlights a significant spectrum-policy decision. South Africa’s National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 identifies the full 700MHz upper 6GHz band, spanning 6.425GHz to 7.125GHz, for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). The plan establishes the allocation framework, although the spectrum has not yet been licensed for commercial mobile use.
The upper 6GHz band has been the subject of international debate, with mobile operators seeking additional capacity for next-generation networks while Wi-Fi interests advocate access to spectrum for wireless local-area connectivity. South Africa’s allocation gives mobile services a clear place in the country’s spectrum framework, with further implementation and licensing steps still to come.
For broadcasters, the decision is relevant because spectrum policy affects more than mobile connectivity. Wireless production equipment, outside-broadcast links and other broadcast-related applications depend on access to suitable frequencies, while audiences increasingly rely on mobile networks to access video and live content. The practical implications will depend on the specific frequencies involved, existing services and the technical conditions governing their use.
MTN South Africa chief executive Ferdi Moolman and Huawei representative Alex Xing presented the trial as evidence of the capacity that upper 6GHz spectrum could unlock. For mobile operators, that capacity could help support growing data demand and future high-bandwidth services. For broadcasters, the development reinforces the importance of participating in spectrum consultations and monitoring how allocations translate into licensing and operating conditions.
The wider lesson for African media industries is that spectrum decisions can shape the infrastructure available for content production, distribution and audience access for years to come. As regulators weigh demand from mobile networks against other users, broadcasters need to make their operational requirements visible in policy discussions rather than respond only after key allocation decisions have been made.
