The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has published its second\u00a0Draft Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan to make critical wireless network capacity available to South African operators.<\/p>\n
Icasa\u2019s plan covers the\u00a0frequency bands 825-830MHz and 870-875 MHz, and restricts the use of the frequencies to cellular technologies \u2013 specifically\u00a0International Mobile Telecommunications standards.<\/p>\n
While it is not a lot of spectrum, mobile networks in South Africa have long said that lower-frequency spectrum \u2013 such as that in the 800MHz band \u2013 would be\u00a0ideal for improving coverage to rural South Africa<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n As part of the plan, ICASA has proposed that spectrum assigned to Neotel be shifted immediately by 2MHz to fall within the\u00a0825-830MHz to 870-875MHz ranges.<\/p>\n Neotel currently uses this spectrum for its CDMA850 network, and ICASA said that in the long run it must stop using its assignment in this band for CDMA.<\/p>\n The draft plan is open to public consultation until 20 October. ICASA has invited interested parties to submit written representations on the plan.<\/p>\n It will then develop an\u00a0invitation to apply for the spectrum in line with regulations.<\/p>\n
\n