Johannesburg – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will conduct public hearings from 6 to 7 September 2018 at its Head Office in Sandton  on the draft IMT850 Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan (RFSAP) for the frequency bands 825 MHz to 830 MHz and 870 MHz to 875 MHz.

The IMT850 radio frequency band has been earmarked for International Mobile Telephony (IMT) systems i.e. mobile systems that provide access to a wide range of electronic communications services, including advanced broadband mobile services, supported by mobile and fixed networks, which are increasingly packet-based.

The future use of the band including migration is driven through the radio frequency assignment plan as prescribed in the radio frequency spectrum regulations. 

1. A change in the use of a radio frequency band or bands must be initiated through a Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan for the radio frequency spectrum bands in the manner specified in the latest Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations.
2. With respect to the radio frequency migration process, a Radio Frequency Assignment Plan may include:
   1. The process for migrating existing users and usages from their existing spectrum location, specifying the bands to which the users and uses will be migrated; including in-band migration where applicable.
   2. The time scale for the re-allocation of the radio frequency band in question, specifying the date at which the users to be migrated should cease transmission.
3. A Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan shall be subject to public consultation.
   1. The Authority shall publish the Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan in the Government Gazette, inviting interested persons to submit written representations as specified by the notice in the Gazette.
   2. The Authority may, after any defined period for lodging comments by interested persons has passed, hold a public hearing in respect of the application.

The RFSAP provides information on the requirements attached for the use of a frequency band in line with the allocation and other information in the National Radio Frequency Plan (“NRFP”). “This information includes technical characteristics of radio systems, radio frequency channelling, coordination and details on required migration of existing users of the band and the expected method of assignment. The finalisation of the IMT850 Radio Frequency Assignment Plan will allow us to optimise the usage of the 800 MHz band.” says ICASA Councillor, Peter Zimri.

Ends…

For all media enquiries please contact:

Paseka Maleka

011 566 3455

079 509 0702

pmaleka@icasa.org.za

Schedule for oral presentations

Thursday, 06 September 2018 (Block C Presentation Room)

Friday - 07 September 2018 (Block C Presentation Room)