The Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) has raised concerns about a lack of clarity in South Africa’s Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy regarding how small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) can access high-demand spectrum.
In a statement on Monday, 9 September 2024, ISPA commended the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies on the policy’s publication and highlighted the need for SMMEs to have access to high-demand spectrum.
“There is an urgent need to enable SMMEs to provide affordable, mobile data connectivity using high-demand spectrum,” said ISPA chair Sasha Booth-Beharilal.
“Therefore, the policy needs to make the fastest possible transition into law. Efficient allocation and assignment of scarce spectrum will help fuel South Africa’s expected economic rebound.”
ISPA is the official Internet industry representative body for South Africa. It welcomed the policy’s focus on promoting greater access to licenced wireless last-mile connectivity.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) refers to this type of connectivity as International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum.
ISPA said finding mechanisms for emerging players to access the high-demand spectrum presents a challenge regarding the policy’s implementation.
The policy sets out the government’s intentions to manage spectrum to meet specific goals, including ensuring affordable access to telecommunication services, developing digital infrastructure, and developing and promoting competition.
“The Policy correctly recognises that time, technology, markets and consumers have marched on since the current legislative framework came into effect in 2006,” says ISPA.
“Perhaps most importantly, the Policy expresses support for the allocation of further spectrum for Wi-Fi networks and requires that the Minister from time to time considers incentives to stimulate investment in Wi-Fi network deployments for lower-income areas.”
ISPA’s statement included deadlines set out in the Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy. These are provided in the table below.
The organisation it would be watching developments regarding these timelines with interest.
| Deadline | Process |
| 28 May 2025 | Regulatory impact assessment informing the development by the Minister of a technology retirement roadmap
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to report to the Minister on a new licensing framework for community networks. Icasa is required to report to the Minister on a framework for the release of spectrum for community use and identify IMT spectrum that can be designated for transformation objectives of community networks, including conditions for the distribution of free basic data to the determined beneficiaries. Icasa to make recommendations to the Minister on the options for the consolidation of government user networks for the purposes of efficient spectrum usage. Icasa to review/develop a universal service obligations (USOs) regulatory framework to fully realise the intended positive outcomes from USOs given to mobile network operators. |
| 28 May 2027 | Ministerial policy direction on shutdown of 2G and 3G networks |
| 31 December 2027 | Preliminary deadline for shutdown of 2G and 3G networks |
| 2028/29 | Renewal of IMT spectrum licences (other than issued after March 2022) |
