CSIR and AdNotes Digital Partner to Launch Spectrum Switch for Affordable Connectivity in South Africa
CSIR and AdNotes Digital launch Spectrum Switch, leveraging TV White Spaces to expand affordable connectivity for underserved communities, supporting South Africa's National Development Plan and global goals.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has appointed AdNotes Digital as a white-label commercial partner for its spectrum switch technology. The radio frequency spectrum is a critical and scarce natural resource required for the rolling-out of the national wireless information and communication
technology (ICT) infrastructure. Hence, the efficient use of national spectrum resources plays an important role in bridging the digital divide gap for unserved and underserved communities.
On 13 November 2024, the CSIR and AdNotes Digital officially unveiled their partnership for Spectrum Switch. The unveiling to the global industry market took place at the Open Access XII Pan-African edition at the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, with global industry decision makers in
attendance.
The new Spectrum Switch licensee, AdNotes Digital will offer daily services based on the CSIR-developed Secondary Geo-location Spectrum Database (S-GLSD) to all network operators. Spectrum Switch enablesthe delivery of fast and affordable connectivity solutions by harnessing the Television White Spaces (TVWS)
spectrum. Furthermore, it empowers mobile network operators and wireless internet service providers to deploy 4G/5G and beyond fixed wireless access networks by seamlessly integrating with existing core networks.
The partnership with AdNotes Digital is to bring Spectrum Switch services closer to end-users. This initiative aligns with the CSIR’s mission to foster collaborative innovation and localise technology solutions thatprovide knowledge-driven support for the inclusive and sustainable progress of both industry and society.
As telecoms markets move towards deployment of 5G networks and beyond in the face of increasing demand for accessible and affordable data-hungry
applications and services, the launch of Spectrum Switch today is responding to the cry from telecommunications operators of all sizes and sectors to unlock affordable fixed wireless access broadband services available through the TVWS spectrum.– Nathi Mbele, Executive Director, AdNotes Digital
The Spectrum Switch technology simplifies rural coverage expansion and supports the efficient deployment of enterprise and private networks, enabling connectivity where it is most needed.
The official unveiling will empower wireless network operators to reduce their total cost of ownership, ultimately benefiting society by lowering communication costs, which is key in achieving universal access for all citizens in line with the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and attaining the majority of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
– Prof. Luzango Mfupe, Principal Researcher and Technical Lead, CSIR