The Internet Service Providers’ Association (Ispa) wants the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) and the department of communications to inform industry of their progress in finalising the long-awaited spectrum auction in the 2,6GHz and 3,5GHz bands.

The two bands are ideally suited for providing wireless broadband services. The spectrum auction was meant to have taken place in 2010, but was postponed indefinitely.

“Ispa welcomes the news that Icasa has requested the department of communications to confirm the appointment of a specialist auctioneer to handle the auction of radio frequency spectrum in the two bands”, says Ispa GM Ant Brooks.

The association wants this appointment finalised as quickly as possible so that service providers and network operators can start building wireless broadband networks in these frequency ranges.

“Although it is heartening to see that the department and Icasa are making every effort not to repeat the mistakes of the past, Ispa does not understand the reason for the current delay in finalising the required appointment and it is alarming that the auctions may not be held prior to the end of 2011,” says Brooks.

He says it was previously disclosed in parliament that Icasa had submitted a shortlist of candidates for the position of specialist auctioneer in January 2011 and that the department was still reviewing this list.

“The industry needs clarity on the timelines involved and the status of the various steps, such as in-band migration, which need to take place to allow for an optimal assignment,” Brooks says.

Ispa also wants more clarity from Icasa about its plans for making regional assignments in the 3,5GHz band so that small regional operators can assess whether they will qualify to participate. Brooks urges Icasa to finalise the regulations around sub-leasing of spectrum as envisioned in recently published draft radio regulations before the auction takes place. — Staff reporter, TechCentral