ICASA is conducting a virtual workshop on the Information Memorandum (IM) for the licensing of the International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) Spectrum, published on 1 October 2021.

This workshop marks the first step in implementing the truncated timetable and roadmap issued by the Authority for the expedited licensing of the IMT spectrum, also known as high-demand spectrum.

The Authority hereby confirms that it has resolved to oppose the litigation instituted by Telkom to prevent the expiry of the temporary COVID-19 spectrum allocation. ICASA believes that the circumstances and considerations that informed the issuing of the radio frequency spectrum at the onset of the pandemic never contemplated that the spectrum would be licensed on a long-term or semi-permanent basis.

In line with Section 57 of the Electronic Communications Act, the Authority will allocate timeslots for party election broadcasts (PEBs) to ensure fair coverage for all political parties and independent candidates during the election period. The allocation of PEB slots will take place on Friday, 8 October 2021 at Protea Hotel, Midrand from 09h00.

ICASA wishes to advise stakeholders of the truncated timetable and roadmap for the expedited licensing of the International Mobile Telecommunications (“IMT”) spectrum, also known as high-demand spectrum, and the Wireless Open Access Network (“WOAN”) published today and is further consulting stakeholders on key aspects pertaining to this expedited licensing process. See the attached media statement.

The tariff analysis report issued by ICASA assists consumers to make informed choice in the consumption of communication services

ICASA has unfortunately not yet been able to reach an out of court settlement with the litigants in the High Court matter, in terms of which its decisions to invite applications for high-demand spectrum licences and for a licence to operate a Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN) are challenged.