The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa invites all interested stakeholders to submit written representations on the published discussion document regarding the use and licensing of the band 57 – 66 GHz (V-Band) and the band 71 – 76 GHz paired with the band 81 – 86 GHz (E-Band).
The Authority has received a number of enquiries and requests from telecommunication network operators and equipment suppliers for access to the two bands (V-Band and E-Band). It is furthermore important to note that there has not been a suitable, technical, regulatory framework for the use of these bands; and this has necessitated the Authority to investigate the possibility of putting in place an appropriate regulatory framework i.e. a framework covering the technical requirements for licence exemption and light licensing.
The Authority aims to regulate the E-Band and V-Band in a manner which is effective and spectrum efficient and to keep licensing delays to the bare minimum, by proposing licence exemption where feasible and light-licensing where full exemption is not feasible.
In this case, the suggestions in the discussion document take the form of proposals that seek to introduce a licence exempt approach for the V-Band and a hybrid approach – a combination of light licensing and full licensing for the E-Band.
The comments and views expressed on the issues raised in the discussion document will assist the Authority in creating a regulatory regime for the V-Band and the E-Band.
All media enquiries must be directed to:
Paseka Maleka
Tel: 011 566 3455
Cell: 079 509 0702
E-mail: pmaleka@icasa.org.za
