ICASA Gazettes High-Demand Spectrum Assignment Questionnaire

Posted 09 November 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Communications & Digital Technologies

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: In terms of the Electronic Communications Act, No. 36 of 2005, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published a stakeholder questionnaire concerning the assignment of high-demand radio frequency spectrum.

The questionnaire is intended to inform the development of an Information Memorandum for the next licensing round, following the Department of Communications & Digital Technologies notice gazetted on 25 September 2026. That ministerial notice formally nullified previous policy provisions reserving spectrum bands for a Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN), thereby unfreezing and resuming the spectrum reform process initiated in 2022.

Affected stakeholders and licensed operators must complete and submit the questionnaire to ICASA by no later than 30 November 2026. Core focus areas under review include:

  • Assessment of industry demand and band viability following the withdrawal of WOAN reservations;
  • Technical parameters and spectrum packaging across available high-demand frequency bands; and
  • Licensing considerations, competitive safeguards, and rollout obligations to be included in the forthcoming Information Memorandum.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct personal obligations; impact is channeled through institutional spectrum policy and firm-level advisory mandates.
  • For your business: Regulatory and telecommunications law practices should audit client spectrum holdings and assist network operators with technical submissions prior to the 30 November 2026 closing date.
  • For your clients: Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) licensees intending to bid for high-demand spectrum must submit responses by 30 November 2026 to ensure their band requirements and commercial terms are reflected in the upcoming Information Memorandum.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/high-demand-radio-frequency-spectrum-assignment-questionnaire-gazetted-1

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