ICASA Opens Public Consultation on Dynamic Spectrum Access and Management in Key Frequency Bands
ICASA publishes draft regulations for dynamic spectrum access, inviting public input to shape policies for improved connectivity and spectrum efficiency.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA / the Authority”), in terms of section 4 read with section 32 (1) and 33 of the Electronic Communications Act (Act No. 36 of 2005), hereby publishes the Draft Regulations on the Dynamic Spectrum Access and Opportunistic Spectrum Management in the Innovation Spectrum Frequency Ranges 3800 – 4200 MHz and 5925 – 6425 MHz.
The Authority in the process of building a database of systems operating in the frequency sub-bands 3 800 to 4 200 MHz and 5 925 to 6 425 MHz with the key focus of ensuring the protection of Primary Radiocommunications Services, engaged on the following:
The Authority on 26 March 2024, in Government Gazette Number 48352 (Notice 3242), published the Findings document and Position paper on Implementation of Dynamic Spectrum Access and Opportunistic Spectrum Management.
The Authority, on 21 June 2024, in Government Gazette 50850 (Notice 2593 of 2024)conducted a process of building a database of systems operating in the frequency sub- bands 3 800 to 4 200 MHz and 5 295 to 6 425 MHz.
Further, Authority, on 12 June 2024, in Government Gazette 50924 (Notice 5028 of 2024), requested further information regarding systems operating in the frequency bands 3800 to 4200 MHz and 5925 to 6425 MHz in order to supplement data received by the closing date.
Furthermore, the Authority, accordingly, invited and engaged Interested Stakeholders for an hour-long one-on-one meeting for discussions to address foreseen issues and clarification on matters at hand.
Pursuant to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015, the Authority enabled Trials and Experiments to be conducted in terms of Regulation 40, that is, “Licences for Trials, Experimentation and Demonstration of Systems”.
Further, the Authority performed sample simulations in Urban and urban areas making using the current database available
The summary results of the simulations form a baseline for the development of the Draft Regulations on the Dynamic Spectrum Access and Opportunistic Spectrum Management in the Innovation Spectrum Frequency Ranges.
These draft Regulations govern the authorization of electronic communications equipment to opportunistically access radio frequency (RF) spectrum within the 3800–4200 MHz and 5925–6425 MHz sub-bands, collectively referred to as the “Innovation Spectrum”.
Access to the Innovation Spectrum is granted on a geographical basis, utilizing the Dynamic Spectrum Assignment and Opportunistic Spectrum Management approach.
Interested persons and parties are hereby invited to submit written representations, on the Draft Regulations on the Dynamic Spectrum Access and Opportunistic Spectrum Management in the Innovation Spectrum Frequency Ranges
