Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA/the Authority) advises stakeholders that the announcement of qualified bidders in terms of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Invitation to Apply (ITA) of 2 October 2020 has been moved from the initial date of 22 February 2021 to 23 March 2021.

This therefore means that the auction phase - which comprises, amongst others, the bidder seminar, the mock auction and the actual auction - will commence by 31 March 2021.

One of the critical milestones in this regard is the conclusion of a contract with the external and independent Auctioneer who will be overseeing and managing the entire auction process. “The conclusion of a contract and appointment of the service provider for the auction remains a key factor, and we remain confident that we are not off the track but in a better position to complete the licensing of high demand spectrum”, says ICASA Chairperson, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng.

Furthermore, Dr Modimoeng assures all stakeholders that the Authority carries the aspirations of the entire nation, and will make sure that the process is concluded with the necessary speed but without untoward haste. “We indeed assure all stakeholders of our steadfast commitment towards public interest, and hereby give certainty that the licensing of high demand spectrum is imminent”, concludes Dr Modimoeng.

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