The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced the release of emergency spectrum to meet the spike in broadband demand caused by the coronavirus lockdown. ICASA has decided to make the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands available for temporary assignment. Licensees should submit their applications by 09 April.
The spectrum will be released for the duration of the national state of disaster to ease network congestion, maintain the quality of broadband services, and enable licensees to lower the cost of access for consumers.
The regulator says it will publish a Government Gazette prescribing minimum standards that licensees must adhere to for the entire period of disaster. The rules were developed after the Ministerial Policy/Policy Directions and ICASA's recent engagements with the sector on measures it can implement to ease the burden of regulatory compliance during the disaster, and enable the sector to meet increased demand for ICT services during the lockdown
In light of the recent economic developments, particularly the country’s downgrade by ratings agencies, the release of spectrum has become critical as a key intervention to stimulate economic recovery, the regulator said. ICASA added that it will take every measure necessary to ensure that the permanent licensing process for high-demand spectrum is expedited.
