The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) needs R12m for software before it can auction the spectrum in 2,6GHz and 3,5GHz.

The authority presented its medium-term strategy to the parliamentary portfolio committee on communications on Wednesday, explaining it was short R133m in this financial year to fulfil its mandate.

Part of the shortfall is the need to purchase software to help it manage spectrum, including the assignment of licences in the 2,6GHz and 3,5GHz bands. Icasa last year retracted an initial invitation to apply for the spectrum, promising final details around the auction by March 2011. That did not happen.

Though Icasa hasn’t said when it will issue a new invitation to apply to participate in the auction, it indicated earlier this month that it was in consultation with the department of communications on the processes involved.

Icasa councillor William Stucke used Wednesday’s parliamentary hearing to outline its top objectives this year, which included the need to finalise a framework governing local-loop unbundling and the issuing of an invitation to apply for spectrum. “In order to do this [assignment of spectrum] properly we need the spectrum software,” he said.

Stucke said it was crucial the spectrum in the two bands be assigned this year because the spectrum would allow increased broadband penetration, in line with the objectives of the department of communications.

He added that Icasa’s current budget allocation was not enough to complete its top objectives. Icasa hopes to talk to the department of communications soon about the additional funding it says it needs.

Icasa has also asked for an additional R39m to relocate its head office. The lease on the building it rents in Sandton is coming to the end and the authority will need to find a suitable alternative. It has already completed a survey on several possible locations.

Though Icasa wants the department to help it with additional funding, it does have a contingency plan to help it get through this financial year if the money isn’t forthcoming.

Icasa CEO Themba Dlamini said it could use the interest it earns from its positive bank accounts or use deferred income it received when certain legislative changes were made last year. — Candice Jones, TechCentral