Bands are identified for radio frequency migration according to the following hierarchy

The process of frequency migration is carried out in a manner consistent with the radio frequency spectrum regulations and the generic process is described in the frequency migration regulations. The key processes are:

When it has been established that migration is required, then the critical issue is to determine the time frame in a manner consistent with sound radio frequency spectrum management.

In principle, the Authority can migrate a user to another frequency band or frequency

location as part of sound radio frequency spectrum management. However, an appropriate

time frame should be applied as a matter of standard practice.

In determining the time frame, the following factors should be taken into account:

The radio frequency spectrum licences in South Africa are in principle granted for a one year period, the multi-year licences will be restricted so that any migration will not fall within the period of a multi-year licence.

The issue of the migration of existing users is a key determinant of a spectrum migration time frame. The issue arose in the past with cessation of the analogue mobile phone systems and the migration to GSM and is currently an issue with respect to broadcasting. In Europe, the main controversy is with regard to proposed plans to terminate VHF FM and possibly Medium Wave broadcasting and as a result of this opposition; the termination of FM does not seem likely in the short term. There has been less opposition to the cessation of analogue television broadcasts.

The critical area in South Africa is the digitalisation of TV where end users have to obtain a digital-to-analogue set-top box to accommodate digital signals to their existing televisions before analogue switch off.

Potential areas that may arise in the future include:

Because of the large number of GSM customers with voice / text only phones and the availability of other bands for mobile broadband, it is unlikely that GSM bands will be shut off any time soon.

A switch over from 3G / HSPA to LTE – if this ever occurs would involve a time frame of 3-5 years to accommodate the life cycle of the end-terminal equipment.

It should not be automatically assumed that a change in frequencies will require new transmission equipment; it is entirely possible that the equipment can be retuned at relatively low cost.

In terms of the economic lifetime of the equipment, SABRE 2 which was gazetted in August 2001, planned for switchover deadline of December 2005 for the services subject to migration which was a time frame of just under 5 years. This was at a time when the technological life-cycle was longer than it is today.

Probably the most important factor for a frequency migration is the allowance of sufficient time for adequate forward planning. In terms of the overall process this may include:

In terms of the time frame, the critical determinant is the earliest time in which new users can begin transmitting as this will be the final date at which existing users cease transmitting. In principle, there is little to be achieved by shutting down existing transmission before new licensees are ready to start transmitting.

It has been established that the forward-looking time frame for a process of spectrum migration should be between 3 to 5 years from the moment of announcement, unless otherwise specified.

To ensure that there is no confusion, where there are multi-year radio frequency spectrum licences, these should generally not exceed 5 years. Where there is a spectrum migration planned for a particular frequency band, there is nothing to stop a licence being issued for the period up to the date at which transmission should cease if the licensee is able to "live with" this.