The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa congratulates the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies for successfully concluding the first of two final key steps towards the country’s ultimate analogue TV switch-off.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa announces the launch of its online Numbering Portal in line with the Numbering Plan Regulations of 2016 (Numbering Regulations”) and in terms of section 68, read with section 4, of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No 36 of 2005).

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies on adopting a two-phased approach to finally completing the switch-off of analogue television services. It is an approach that will ensure that the viewing public continues to have access to television programming while also ensuring increased access to mobile broadband services.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa intends to publish a request for proposals to appoint a consultant to assist with the licensing process for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Radio Frequency Spectrum including conducting an auction in multiple IMT identified bands.

ICASA has established a Council Committee to determine the impact of the current state of load-shedding on the electronic communications, broadcasting, and postal services sectors.

ICASA has published an Amendment to Annexure B of Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015 in respect of Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence Exemptions, effectively opening up the lower 6 GHz spectrum band for the provision of Wi-Fi services.