Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)

SABRE 221 was a programme to re-plan the radio frequency spectrum from 3GHz to 70 MHz, partly driven by the need to in-migrate fixed-links from below 3Gz.

SABRE 2 made the following comment on migration issues above 3 GHz.

Above 3 GHz the cost of backbone infrastructure equipment is borne by one or a few organisations. Band reallocation and spectrum use migration activities have to carefully consider industry’s return on investment over pre-planned equipment life cycles. Ideally any additionally identified SABRE 2 band migrations will be voluntary and will occur within the constraints of the infrastructure life cycle.

A number of bands were identified during the SABRE 2 project that requires consideration due to anticipated future congestion and reallocation. Three types of migration are recommended; band, equipment, and channels. These migrations are viewed as voluntary because they are expected to occur as part of the natural system life cycle.

Operators are expected to identify all migration links, plan their migration, and coordinate their schedule with ICASA. at least three years before the deadline. The 2 1.4 - 22.0 GHz band will revert from Fixed, Mobile and Broadcasting Satellite Services to the Broadcast Satellite Service application in the year 2007. Currently, there is a limited set of licences in the band according to ICASA records. Operators intending to maintain FS links in the 21.4- 22 GHz band will be accommodated with no protection after 1 April 2007. Another migration issue is the "opening of the 38 GHz band." Prior to making assignments in this portion of the spectrum, it is recommended that a migration of 20-24 GHz FS assignments be established. The primary criteria for migration would be link distance associated with specific frequency assignments, once the band is released to the public.

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