31 May 2023
The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA), has released more spectrum for WiFi services in the lower 6GHz band.
The lower 6GHz frequency band refers to the radio frequency range of 5925–6425MHz, as allocated in South Africa’s national radio frequency plan. This frequency band offers several benefits and a much-needed boost for the uptake of WiFi services. The introduction of the lower 6GHz frequency band for WiFi services will support the growth of the digital economy and help bridge the digital divide.
“The Authority is further committed to ensure that the country stays in the forefront of innovation in wireless technologies and believes that the release of the lower 6 GHz band, and other short-range device frequency bands, will assist it in reaching this goal,” said ICASA councillor Peter Zimri.
For ICASA, the additional spectrum offers reduced latency, delivers faster data speeds, and results in less interference, especially in potential congested high-density areas and campus environments.
Overall, the implementation of the lower 6GHz frequency band is expected to provide reliable wireless communications, and an enhanced user experience for both consumers and businesses throughout the country.
ICASA has published an amendment to annexure B of radio frequency spectrum regulations 2015, in respect of licence exemptions, effectively opening the spectrum band for the provision of WiFi services. Annexure B consists of a list of radio apparatus, the use or possession of which does not require a radio frequency spectrum licence, says a statement from the regulator.
ICASA has now incorporated the key ‘lower 6 GHz frequency band (from 5925 to 6425MHz) for radio local access networks (RLAN / WiFi) applications, and the frequency band 122-246GHz for non-specific short-range applications,’ through the amendment to Annexure B of the regulations. In addition, while a radio frequency spectrum licence is not required for the possession and use of radio apparatus listed in Annexure B, relevant regulatory requirements, such as the radio apparatus type-approval by ICASA in accordance with Section 35 of the Electronic Communications Act, will continue to apply.
“The authority will work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure compliance with these regulations and to protect the interests of business and consumers,” said ICASA. “The electromagnetic compatibility and safety requirement for the relevant application type remains mandatory and must refer to the prescribed standards in the Authority’s official list of regulated standards.”
According to ICASA, Annexure B is an important component of implementing the provisions of the national radio frequency band plan in a responsive way.
