The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued an invitation to apply for radio frequency spectrum to provide mobile broadband services in the 700, 800 and 2,600 MHz bands. In a statement, Icasa said the main aim is to ensure nationwide broadband access for all citizens by 2020 in line with the National Development Plan and SA Connect Policy.
South Africa is experiencing continued growth in demand for spectrum as a result of significant growth in data traffic. The lack of available spectrum has been a recurrent complaint from operators, and Icasa said it hopes to address the problem by increasing the current allocated bandwidth of 567 MHz of IMT spectrum.
South African operators MTN and Vodacom welcomed the "progress made by ICASA" in terms of making frequency spectrum available. MTN said it's currently evaluating the Invitation To Apply to understand the requirements for participation as well as the terms and conditions of the auction process. It said the licensing of frequency spectrum will benefit consumers who are demanding better quality and higher speeds as it will allow operators to more rapidly roll out advanced broadband services. Vodacom said it is considering the contents of the invitation to apply, and will "make further comments in due course", MyBroadband.co.za reported.
