South Africa: ICASA Designates Innovation Spectrum

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published the Regulations on Dynamic Spectrum Access and Opportunistic Spectrum Management in Innovation Spectrum 3800–4200 MHz and 5925–6425 MHz in Government Gazette No. 54718, dated May 22, 2026.

The regulations establish a new framework for the use of Innovation Spectrum in the 3800–4200 MHz and 5925–6425 MHz frequency ranges. The framework aims to expand broadband access, promote technological innovation, encourage spectrum sharing, and reduce barriers to entry for SMMEs, community network operators, and other non-dominant market participants.

Under the new framework:

• The 5925–6425 MHz band, also referred to as Lower 6 GHz, has been designated as Innovation Spectrum Frequency Range 2 (ISFR2) and will be license-exempt.

• The band may be used by Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), private network operators, community networks, and Wi-Fi deployments, subject to compliance with the regulations.

• The 3800–4200 MHz band has been designated as Innovation Spectrum Frequency Range 1 (ISFR1).

• Access to ISFR1 remains subject to spectrum authorization and licensing requirements, but it will be managed through a Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) framework instead of traditional exclusive spectrum assignments.

Access to both frequency ranges will be controlled through a Unified Spectrum Switch (USS), a centralized geolocation-based spectrum management database. The USS dynamically assigns operational parameters and available channels to approved devices.

The USS is intended to protect incumbent services, including satellite earth stations and fixed-link operators, while allowing secondary spectrum users to operate on a non-exclusive basis, provided that harmful interference is not caused to registered incumbent users.

Equipment and network deployment requirements include:

• equipment intended to operate within these bands must be ICASA Type Approved;

• equipment must support the technical requirements prescribed by the regulations, including geolocation functionality and USS interaction where applicable;

• network operators seeking to deploy services using Innovation Spectrum must register with the designated USS Provider; and

• operators must comply with the applicable licensing, registration, and operational requirements before commencing network deployment.

Source: https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/electronic-communications-act-regulations-dynamic-spectrum-access-and-1