South Africa

News for South Africa

• 2020-12-17ICASA South Africa closed due to festive period

  The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) informed that only a reduced number of business processes will be available during the period from 17 to 31 December 2020.

  From 4 January 2021, all the ICASA offices will be fully working. The applications which are currently under technical evaluation will be continued in January 2021.

  Source: Local Partner

  
  

• 2020-06-02NEW RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM ASSIGNMENT PLAN

  The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) released on 22nd of May 2020 the “Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan” for the frequency band 2500 to 2690 MHz.

  The purpose of this RFSAP is to state the requirements for the utilization of the frequency band 2500 to 2690 MHz for IMT2600.

  The Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan provides information on the requirements attached to the use of a frequency band in line

  with the allocation and other information in the National Radio Frequency Plan.

  This information includes technical characteristics of radio systems, frequency channelling, coordination and details on required migration of existing users of the band and the expected method of assignment. 2.4 The Authority has opted for a TDD channel arrangement C3 from the Recommendation ITU-R M.1034-6 to increase the usable bandwidth of IMT2600 to 190 MHz.

  Moreover, the increased bandwidth will allow the prospective incumbents to realize the capabilities of IMT2020 systems which require the bandwidth ranges of 80 to 100 MHz.

  The ITU states that IMT systems are mobile systems that provide access to a wide range of telecommunication services including advanced mobile services, supported by mobile and fixed networks, which are increasingly packet-based. The ITU is the internationally recognized entity that has sole responsibility to define and to recommend the standards and frequency arrangements for IMT systems.

  Downloadlink FRSAP:

  https://www.icasa.org.za/legislation-and-regulations/radio-frequency-spectrum-assignment-plan-for-the-frequency-band-2500-to-2690-mhz-imt2600

  
  

• 2019-12-12ICASA closed days

  The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA, will be closed due holidays from 13th of December 2019 to
   2nd of January 2020

   Source: Official Link 

  
  

• 2019-10-31Information Memorandum on the licensing process

  Before the end of this year (31st of December 2019; South Africa's Authority (ICASA) will publish an Information Memorandum on the licensing process for the International Mobile Telecommunications (high demand spectrum).

  The Memorandum outlines their approach on the licensing of the spectrum following the publication of the Policy on High Demand Spectrum and Policy Direction on the Licensing of a Wireless Open Access Network by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.

  Official Link to Independent Communications Authority of South Africa: here

   

  
  

• 2019-08-06ICASA begins a process to review Annexure B

  The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) controls, plans, administers and manages the use and licensing of the radio frequency spectrum in South Africa. In doing so, ICASA must, among others, comply with applicable standards and requirements of the International Telecommunications Union and its Radio Regulations as agreed to by the Republic, as well as the approved Radio Frequency Plan.

  According to applicable legislation, no person may transmit any signal by radio or use radio apparatus to receive any signal by radio without a radio frequency spectrum licence granted by ICASA in terms of the Electronic Communications Act.
  However, ICASA may further prescribe the radio frequency spectrum licence that may be used without a licence.
  It is against this background that ICASA intends to amend Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations of 2015. The Annexure referred to relates to a list of radio apparatus that do not require a radio frequency spectrum licence.

  The decision to make amendments to the Annexure is prompted mainly by the need to, among others, encourage investment and innovation in the ICT sector, promote adoption of latest technological gadgets operating in the licence-free radio as well as frequency spectrum bands on a non-interference and zero protection basis from interference.

  In this regard, ICASA has published a notice of its intention to amend Annexure B in the Government Gazette where interested stakeholders are invited to submit written representations with regards to the proposed amendments by close of business on 06 September 2019.
  The notice can be found here: Linkt to notice
  Enquiries related to this process may be directed to Mr. Bethuel Nkgadime on email address, BNkgadime@icasa.org.za.

  
  

• 2018-10-04ICASA Head Office moving to Pretoria

  After nearly 20 years in Sandton, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is moving to Pretoria.

  From the 2018-10-29 on, its Head Office  will be at 350 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Eco Point Office Park, Eco Park, Centurion, Gauteng

  The Authority informed that the relocation should not affect in any way the current procedures.

  Source: https://www.icasa.org.za/news/2018/icasa-head-office-relocating-from-sandton-to-pretoria

  
  

• 2018-06-05South Africa Has New National Frequency Plan

  The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published on 2018-05-28 its National Frequency Plan 2018, which can be downloaded either at ICASA or IBLAG.

  
  

• 2018-04-20Increased administrative costs in South Africa

  Beginning 2018-04-01, the ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) has increased its administrative fees for Type Approval (Government Gazette dated 2018-04-03).

  https://www.icasa.org.za/

  
  

• 2013-09-13Actualisation of Labeling Regulations

  The ICASA (Independent Communication Authority South Africa) released notice 872 on late August 2013. The note regulates the labelling requirements for all telecommunication and radio devices when published. The regulations remain similar with the addition of e-labelling.

  Summary:

  • The label, which must be legible and protected against damage, shall be affixed to the devices before being placed on the market;
  • Against payment of a fee, it is possible (but not mandatory) to obtain the labels from ICASA.
  • If the labels are produced and added by the manufacturer, the latter must send a request letter to ICASA previously. ICASA will then send a written response confirming that the request has been approved.
  • The label must bear the ICASA logo and certificate number (TA XXXX-YYYY). The minimum size for the logo must be 3 x 3 mm and for the certification number 1 x 1 mm. The height to width ration of the label overall must be 1:2.
  • E-labeling also must be requested in written form. ICASA will issue a formal letter for approval. The documentation must clearly indicate how to access the e-label, which must be displayed either:

  1. during the power up of the device,
  2. in the device system information page,
  3. in the device help menu of the device.