Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)ICASARadiocommunication Frequency Migration Plan 2019Part 2 : Radio Frequency Migration Plan 20193. Principles Governing Frequency Migration |
| 3.1 | Identification of Bands subject to Frequency Migration |
Bands are identified for radio frequency migration according to the following hierarchy
| ▪ | First Level – where the ITU radio regulations / decision of a World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) require a change in national allocation that will require existing users to be migrated. |
| ▪ | Second Level - where a Regional Radio Conference require a change in national allocation that will require existing users to be migrated |
| ▪ | Third Level – where the SADC Frequency Allocation Plan (FAP) requires a change of use and in turn a change in national allocation that will require existing users to be migrated. |
| ▪ | Fourth Level – a decision is taken to change the use of a frequency band at national level and this requires the migration of existing users. |
| 3.2 | Process |
The process of frequency migration is carried out in a manner consistent with the radio frequency spectrum regulations and the generic process is described in the frequency migration regulations. The key processes are:
| ▪ | Preparation of a Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan |
| ▪ | Amendment of a Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence |
When it has been established that migration is required, then the critical issue is to determine the time frame in a manner consistent with sound radio frequency spectrum management.
| 3.3 | Time Frame for Migration |
In principle, the Authority can migrate a user to another frequency band or frequency
location as part of sound radio frequency spectrum management. However, an appropriate
time frame should be applied as a matter of standard practice.
In determining the time frame, the following factors should be taken into account:
| ▪ | the duration of the spectrum licence, |
| ▪ | the time frame to migrate existing customers (end users) |
| ▪ | the economic life of the equipment installed, |
| ▪ | adequate forward planning |
| 3.3.1 | Duration of the radio frequency spectrum licence |
The radio frequency spectrum licences in South Africa are in principle granted for a one year period, the multi-year licences will be restricted so that any migration will not fall within the period of a multi-year licence.
| 3.3.2 | Time Frame to migrate existing end users |
The issue of the migration of existing users is a key determinant of a spectrum migration time frame. The issue arose in the past with cessation of the analogue mobile phone systems and the migration to GSM and is currently an issue with respect to broadcasting. In Europe, the main controversy is with regard to proposed plans to terminate VHF FM and possibly Medium Wave broadcasting and as a result of this opposition; the termination of FM does not seem likely in the short term. There has been less opposition to the cessation of analogue television broadcasts.
The critical area in South Africa is the digitalisation of TV where end users have to obtain a digital-to-analogue set-top box to accommodate digital signals to their existing televisions before analogue switch off.
Potential areas that may arise in the future include:
| ▪ | Conversion of existing Mobile International Mobile Telecommunication frequencies to IMT2020. |
Because of the large number of GSM customers with voice / text only phones and the availability of other bands for mobile broadband, it is unlikely that GSM bands will be shut off any time soon.
A switch over from 3G / HSPA to LTE – if this ever occurs would involve a time frame of 3-5 years to accommodate the life cycle of the end-terminal equipment.
| ▪ | Switch off of analogue radio. This is unlikely to occur within the time frame envisaged by this spectrum migration strategy. |
| 3.3.3 | Economic life of the equipment installed |
It should not be automatically assumed that a change in frequencies will require new transmission equipment; it is entirely possible that the equipment can be retuned at relatively low cost.
In terms of the economic lifetime of the equipment, SABRE 2 which was gazetted in August 2001, planned for switchover deadline of December 2005 for the services subject to migration which was a time frame of just under 5 years. This was at a time when the technological life-cycle was longer than it is today.
| 3.3.4 | Adequate Forward Planning |
Probably the most important factor for a frequency migration is the allowance of sufficient time for adequate forward planning. In terms of the overall process this may include:
| ▪ | Proper time for consultation. |
| ▪ | Band planning. |
| ▪ | Adequate time for existing users of the spectrum to migrate out. |
| ▪ | Adequate time required for dual illumination during a switchover period subject to no interference. |
In terms of the time frame, the critical determinant is the earliest time in which new users can begin transmitting as this will be the final date at which existing users cease transmitting. In principle, there is little to be achieved by shutting down existing transmission before new licensees are ready to start transmitting.
| 3.3.5 | Conclusions regarding time frame |
It has been established that the forward-looking time frame for a process of spectrum migration should be between 3 to 5 years from the moment of announcement, unless otherwise specified.
To ensure that there is no confusion, where there are multi-year radio frequency spectrum licences, these should generally not exceed 5 years. Where there is a spectrum migration planned for a particular frequency band, there is nothing to stop a licence being issued for the period up to the date at which transmission should cease if the licensee is able to "live with" this.