ICASA releases 2018 spectrum plan

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published the National Radio Frequency Plan 2018 (NRFP-18).

The NRFP-18 allocates the RF spectrum to services in bands between 8.3 kHz and 3000 GHz, with all assignments made in line with the national radiofrequency plan.

South Africa’s population spread and geography lends itself to wireless solutions, so it’s no surprise that mobile broadband has emerged as the most popular solution for broadband access.

As a result, ICASA has decided to implement mobile broadband according to the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Roadmap of 2014.

The NRFP-18 incorporates emergency communications and disaster relief as identified by the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) to facilitate mobile broadband for mission-critical public protection and disaster relief, such as emergency services and disaster response teams.

The revised NRFP-18 incorporates decisions taken by the WRC-15 and reflects the 2016 edition of the ITU Radio Regulations.

The NRFP-18 is also consistent with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Frequency Allocation Plan, ensuring regional harmonisation.

“Harmonisation of radiofrequency spectrum for Africa as well as across the world is such an important aspect to ensure that we enjoy the benefits of the economies of scale and to warrant that the introduction of new technologies benefit the citizens on the continent,” said ICASA’s Councillor Peter Zimri.

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