Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen.
On behalf of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), I would like to welcome you to this media briefing on the licensing of high demand spectrum.
As you well know the Authority commenced with this process in 2006 which may (depending on the types of lenses you use) appear to have been plagued with many set-backs or good fortunes.
The Authority is mindful that delays have impacted negatively on competition and the economic benefits attached to it. However, a closer encounter with international and national developments on radio frequency spectrum suggests that perhaps the delays were fortuitous.
At the national level, the efforts of the Authority to commence with the licensing process coincides with the Department Of Communications’ policy framework to advance (I quote) “attainment of the goals of universal service and access for all and ensure that licensing of high demand spectrum should first and foremost seek to achieve the following national policy objectives:
Facilitate the introduction of new national and rural providers of electronic communications, including broadband.
Ensure that the participating licensees contribute broad based back economic empowerment.
Impose universal access and service obligations to promote uptake and usage of electronic communications in rural and urban poor settlements.
When we met previously ICASA had envisioned a licensing process for 2.6 and 3.5 GHz spectrum, which are more suitable for urban or congested areas.
In view of developments at the international level the Authority has followed the Department of Communication’s commitment and decided to adjust the high demand spectrum licensing process to reflect alignment with international trends.
Accordingly plans on 3.5 GHz band have been suspended whilst we await the outcomes of the ITU processes; there are currently new developments underway internationally to reconfigure the 3.5 GHz bands.
In addition the 800 band has replaced 3.5 GHz in our plans.
The 800 band was allocated to International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in the WRC – 07 and subsequently published in ITU-R Radio Regulations edition 2008, and adopted as a treaty of which South Africa is a signatory.
The 800 MHz band has been harmonised in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region with channel arrangements adopted as part of the SADC Band Plan. The SADC Band Plan has been approved by the Ministers of Transport, Telecommunications at their meeting in Luanda, Angola from 10 to 13 May 2010.
The 800 MHz band is a perfect candidate for wireless broadband access because it has excellent coverage characteristics and is highly suitable for rural coverage and will enable the Authority to address the Government’s broadband policy which aims to achieve universal broadband access by 2019. Furthermore, it technically complements the 2.6 GHz band.
The 800 MHz spectrum will only become fully available once the digital migration has taken place, ICASA wants to begin the process now so that successful applicants will be able to plan ahead.
By pairing 2.6GHz and 800MHz in a combined licensing process the Authority hopes new entrants will address wireless broadband access in both urban and rural area.
The combined licensing process creates an opportunity for incumbents to remodel their networks in line with new technologies, and the Authority would be encouraged if they would recognise the value of the proposed in-band migration.
The Authority also seeks to move away from traditional win-lose licensing methods and is considering using new licensing methods that encourage sharing such as open access models and spectrum parks to maximise the number of new entrants in the sector.
In conclusion the release of spectrum at this juncture will ensure:
- Higher speed broadband for consumers
- Lower unit costs of providing mobile broadband
- Increase in wireless broadband competition
- Improved delivery of broadband to rural areas, and
- Much needed increased levels of employment.
I thank you
