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

ICASA

Moratorium on Applications in respect of Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignments in Radio Frequency Bands identified for implementation of IMT Systems and the 3600 - 3800 MHz Radio Frequency Spectrum Band

Notice No. 47 of 2021
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Notice No. 47

17 February 2021

GG 44167

 

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

 

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ("the Authority"), hereby place a moratorium on applications for radio frequency spectrum assignments in radio frequency spectrum bands identified for implementation of the IMT systems and the 3600 - 3800 MHz radio frequency spectrum band.

 

 

Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng

Chairperson

12/02/2021

 

 

1. The success of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 20201 networks are dependent on harmonised mobile spectrum across three categories of frequency bands, which are: sub-1 GHz, 1-6 GHz, and above 6 GHz. Millimetre wave spectrum has the potential to transform the mobile broadband experience with ultra-high speeds and low latencies.  The extent of mobile access to millimeter wave spectrum and the ability of mobile operators to deliver on the true potential of IMT2020 was under consideration at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC 19).

 

2. WRC-19 considered the needs of upcoming evolutions of mobile networks. The radio frequency spectrum between 24.25 and 86 GHz was considered for IMT under WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.13.

 

3. Further, WRC-19 identified the frequency band 4800 - 4990 MHz for use by administrations wishing to implement terrestrial IMT systems in countries (including South Africa) listed in the ITU Radio Regulations Article 5 footnote No. 5.441B.  The band is also allocated to Mobile on all 3 ITU Regions which makes it attractive for global IMT use.

 

4. Sharing and compatibility studies with primary services are being conducted in the 3600 - 3800 MHz band with the view of identifying this band for IMT service at WRC-23.  The details and scope of the sharing and compatibility studies are contained in Resolution 245 adopted by WRC-19.

 

5. Furthermore, the Authority is receiving complaints regarding harmful interference caused to primary services (such as satellite downlinks) in the 3600 - 3800 MHz band; and continued licensing of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in the band will exacerbate harmful interference experienced by primary services in the band.

 

6.Taking into consideration the information presented in the above section, the Authority hereby issues a notice of a moratorium on licensing of radio frequencies in the following radio frequency spectrum bands:

 

●3600 - 3800  MHz;
●4800 - 4990  MHz;
●24.25 - 27.5  GHz;
●37 - 43.5  GHz;
●45.5 - 47  GHz;
●47.2 - 48.2  GHz; and
●66 - 71  GHz.

 

7.In light of this moratorium, the Authority shall not consider and or process any NEW applications for radio frequency spectrum assignments in the radio frequency spectrum bands stipulated in 6 above.

 

8.The moratorium shall apply with immediate effect from date of publication of this notice in the Government Gazette.

 

9.The Authority will lift the moratorium by a notice published in the Government Gazette.