Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA / the Authority) has received six (6) submissions of applications in response to the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum issued on 2 October 2020.

Submissions were received from the following entities, in no particular order:

1. Cell C
2. Rain Networks
3. Vodacom
4. Telkom
5. Liquid Telecoms
6. MTN

The Authority has noted a further submission from Women Building a Better Society (WBBS) but unfortunately, the application reached the Authority after the cut-off time i.e. 16h00, and was not accepted.

In terms of the ITA, ICASA has made available the IMT spectrum bands in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 2600MHz, and 3500MHz bands for assignment to qualifying applicants.

The Chairperson of ICASA, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng expressed his gratitude to all the applicants who took the time to respond to the ITA.

“The Council of the Authority is indeed grateful to all applicants who responded to this call for the licensing of high demand spectrum. We are ready and committed in ensuring that we take the necessary care; and that the release of the spectrum and this process in general is indeed procedurally fair and non-discriminatory”, says Dr Modimoeng.

ICASA intends to conduct an auction for the licensing of high demand spectrum by no later than 31 March 2021. The Authority will keep the public and stakeholders updated with regards to the developments on this process.

“The Authority remains committed to defend this important process against any form of litigation, with a full appreciation of what the benefits of licensing high demand spectrum will be for consumers and the public at large. We are unwavering in this regard”, concludes Dr Modimoeng.

Ends…

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