Could communications regulator Icasa miss its self-imposed deadline of licensing 4G- and 5G-suitable spectrum by the end of the year? There is now a real concern this could happen. By Duncan McLeod.
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Miriam Altman, a commissioner on the National Planning Commission, joins TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod for a discussion on the Covid-19 lockdown, its impact, and how to save the economy.
The communications regulator has received more than 40 written submissions on the licensing of broadband spectrum suitable for building 4G/LTE and 5G networks in South Africa.
Ahead of publication of the Competition Commission’s final report flowing from its inquiry in the data services market, expected later on Monday, TechCentral republishes this column from editor Duncan McLeod.
Remgro-controlled CIVH is quietly becoming a serious player in South Africa’s telecoms landscape – one that has the potential, if it executes well on its plans, to become a major contender in a rapidly shifting sector.
Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko said communications regulator Icasa is making a grave mistake in the way it proposes to license access to the 5G-suitable 3.5GHz radio frequency spectrum band.
EXCLUSIVE | Icasa is poised to announce a plan to auction off radio frequency spectrum suitable for the roll-out of 5G infrastructure in a move that is likely to be widely welcomed by the telecommunications industry.
Telecommunications and technology advisory firm BMIT has warned that South Africa faces complex choices and trade-offs in reaching decisions regarding the awarding of new spectrum licences.
Icasa plans to issue an “information memorandum” before the end of the year on the licensing process for high-demand spectrum, finally kicking a process into gear that should have been concluded years ago.
The Competition Commission plans to engage with Icasa on the planned licensing of 4G/LTE and future 5G spectrum to ensure there is “not only universal coverage but also (affordable) access”.