Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published the Draft Regulations on Dynamic Spectrum Access and Opportunistic Spectrum Management (DSA) in the Innovation Spectrum Frequency Ranges 3800 - 4200 MHz and 5925 – 6425 MHz for public consultation.
Dynamic and Opportunistic Spectrum Assignment enables unused spectrum (White Spaces) to be assigned and shared on a secondary basis without interfering with primary license holders. This approach ensures that the Radio Frequency Spectrum is readily available and improves spectrum efficiency by enabling the efficient use of the spectrum in many remote underserved areas and across multiple locations.
These Draft Regulations mark the second phase of the implementation of the Dynamic Spectrum Access and Opportunistic Spectrum Management framework. The first phase resulted in the development of the framework for the use of Television White Spaces (TVWS), which came into effect on 01 April 2021. The second phase is aimed at introducing Dynamic and Opportunistic Spectrum Access in the C and S frequency bands. This framework will promote the emergence of new digital radio technologies, services and applications.
On 26 March 2024, the Authority published its findings document and position paper on the inquiry into the implementation of DSA. Furthermore, the Authority engaged key stakeholders operating systems of the Fixed Services (FS) and Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), to clarify the need for the Authority to collect data on their locations and frequencies of their systems to ensure that these are protected since the 3800 - 4200 MHz and 5925 – 6425 MHz frequency bands are allocated on a primary basis.
ICASA conducted sample simulations in urban and rural areas using the Spectrum Engineering Advanced Monte Carlo Analysis Tool (SEAMCAT). A summary report of the simulations and trials is included in the Draft Regulations for the stakeholders’ ease of reference and information.
The Draft Regulations outline the authorization process for electronic communication equipment to access radio frequency spectrum in the 3800–4200 MHz and 5925–6425 MHz sub-bands.
“The Committee has engaged in extensive consultations with current licensees and has conducted thorough simulations and pilot tests to assess the feasibility of the proposed Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) methodology using a geo-location database. This innovative database will enable the dynamic and opportunistic allocation of spectrum, which offers several key benefits. Firstly, it prevents interference, ensuring a more reliable communication environment. More importantly, it significantly enhances the efficient use of the scarce resource that is spectrum. By optimising spectrum usage, DSA promotes greater connectivity and supports the growing demand for wireless services”, said the Chairperson of the Committee, Cllr Thabisa Faye.
“Additionally, ICASA has diligently worked to ensure that this initiative enables the participation of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and other market players by lowering entry barriers and promoting efficiency”, added Cllr Thabisa Faye.
Cllr Faye also notes that “the draft regulations offer stakeholders an opportunity to engage with the proposed framework and share their views with the Authority. We look forward to robust discussions and encourage full participation to collaboratively build an equitable DSA framework.”
The Draft Regulations on DSA can be downloaded from the Authority’s website on the URL: Draft Regulations on the Dynamic Spectrum Access — Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
The Authority invites interested stakeholders to submit written representations highlighting their views on the Draft DSA 2025 by no later than 16h00 on Friday, 30 May 2025
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