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Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)

ICASA

Radiocommunication Frequency Migration Plan 2019

Part 2 : Radio Frequency Migration Plan 2019

5. Potential Impact of Spectrum Migration

 

5.1 Bands planned for IMT

One of the critical issues under public debate in South Africa is the availability of spectrum for mobile broadband wireless access. The total of 649 MHz of spectrum is made available for IMT following SADC FAP proposed common sub-allocation and WRC resolutions, as indicated in the following table.

 

Table 3 Bands planned for IMT

Frequency Band (MHz)

Bandwidth (MHz)

Current Allocation

Notes

450 – 470

20

FIXED, MOBILE

5.286AA NF9

Enabled for IMT as per WRC-7,

Res. 224 applies

694 – 792

98

MOBILE except aeronautical mobile 5.312A 5.317A NF9 BROADCASTING 5.300 5.311A 5.312

NF8A

Enabled for IMT as per WRC-12, Res. 232 – Digital Dividend 2

790 – 862

72

FIXED MOBILE except aeronautical mobile 5.316B 5.317A NF9 BROADCASTING 5.312 5.319

NF8A

Enabled for IMT as per WRC-7, planned for 2015 – Digital Dividend 1

862 – 876

14

FIXED MOBILE except aeronautical mobile 5.317A

NF10

Enabled for IMT as per SADC FAP proposed common suballocation/utilization

1880 – 1920

40

FIXED MOBILE 5.384A 5.388A NF9

Enabled for IMT as per SADC FAP proposed common suballocation/utilization

2010 – 2025

15

FIXED MOBILE 5.388A

NF9

Enabled for IMT as per SADC FAP proposed common suballocation/utilization

2500 – 2690

190

MOBILE except aeronautical mobile 5.384A NF9

Radio astronomy

Enabled for IMT as per SADC FAP proposed common suballocation/utilization

3400 – 3600

200

FIXED MOBILE 5.430A

NF9

Enabled for IMT as per WRC-07, effective Nov. 2010

 

This does not include the frequency already allocated and assigned to GSM / UMTS.

 

5.2 Frequency Migration Resolutions resulting from WRC 15

The following Resolutions were considered to be included in the Frequency Migration Plan 2019.

 

Table 4 WRC resolutions

Frequency Band (MHz)

WRC

Res. / Rec.

Footnote

Resolution / Footnote

5.3515 - 5 3665

15

 

5.133B

1. Stations in the amateur service using the frequency band 5 351.5-5 366.5 kHz shall not exceed a maximum radiated power of 15 W (e.i.r.p.).

108 - 117.975

12

413

 

2. Use by aeronautical mobile (R) service without interfering with existing ARNS systems

450 – 470

7

224

 

3. Frequency bands for the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications below 1 GHz

694 – 790

12

232

 

4. Use of the frequency band 694- 790 MHz by the mobile, except aeronautical mobile, service in Region 1 and related studies

790 – 862

12

224

 

5. Frequency bands for the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications below 1 GHz

1 452-1 492

15

223, 750 &

761

5.346

6. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
7. Compatibility between the Earth exploration-satellite service (passive) and relevant active services
8. Compatibility of International Mobile Telecommunications and broadcasting-satellite service (sound) in the frequency band 1 452-1 492 MHz in Regions 1 and 3

960 – 1164

12

417

 

9. Use of 960 – 1164 MHz by aeronautical mobile (R) service meeting standard and recommended practice

1518 - 1544

1545 - 1559

1610 - 1626.5

1626.5 - 1645.5

1646.5 - 1660.5

1668 - 1675

2483.5 - 2500

12

225

 

10. Use of additional frequency bands for the satellite component of IMT

1525 – 1559/ 1626.5

– 1660.5

12

222

 

11. Use of 1525-1559 MHz and 1626.5-1660.5 MHz by the mobile-satellite service, and procedures to ensure long term spectrum access for the aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service

161.9375 -161.9625

15

 

5.228AA

12. The use of the frequency bands 161.9375-161.9625 MHz and 161.9875-162.0125 MHz by the maritime mobile-satellite (Earth-to-space) service is limited to the systems which operate in accordance with Appendix 18. (WRC-15)

161.9875-162.0125

MHz

15

 

5.228AA

13. The use of the frequency bands 161.9375-161.9625 MHz and 161.9875-162.0125 MHz by the maritime mobile-satellite (Earth-to-space) service is limited to the systems which operate in accordance with Appendix 18. (WRC-15)

173.7 – 175.1

 

 

NF5

14. This frequency band may be used for wireless microphones for services ancillary to Broadcasting (SAB) and services ancillary to programme (SAP) making. Useof wireless microphones must be co-ordinated and licensed.

403-406 MHz

15

205

5.265

15. Protection of the systems operating in the mobile satellite service in the frequency band 406-406.1 MHz

406-406.1

15

205

5.265

16. Protection of the systems operating in the mobile satellite service in the frequency band 406-406.1 MHz

406.1-410 MHz

15

205

5.265

17. Protection of the systems operating in the mobile satellite service in the frequency band 406-406.1 MHz

410-420 MHz

15

 

5.268

18. Use of the frequency band 410- 420 MHz by the space research service is limited to space-to-space communication links with an orbiting, manned space vehicle.

432-438 MHz

15

 

5.279A

19. The use of the frequency band 432-438 MHz by sensors in the Earth exploration-satellite service (active) shall be in accordance with Recommendation ITU-R RS.1260-1

450-455 MHz

15

224

5.286AA

20. Frequency bands for the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications below 1 GHz

455-456 MHz

15

224

5.286AA

21. Frequency bands for the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications below 1 GHz

456-459 MHz

15

224

5.286AA

22. Frequency bands for the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications below 1 GHz

456-459 MHz

15

224

5.287

23. Use of the frequency bands 457.5125-457.5875 MHz and 467.5125-467.5875 MHz by the maritime mobile service is limited to on-board communication stations.

459-460 MHz

15

224

5.286AA

24. Frequency bands for the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications below 1 GHz

460-470 MHz

15

224

5.286AA

25. Frequency bands for the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications below 1 GHz

 

 

 

26.

470-694 MHz

15

760

5.296

27. Additional allocation: the frequency band 470-694 MHz is also allocated on a secondary basis to the land mobile service, intended for applications ancillary to broadcasting and programme making.

694 – 790 MHz

15

224, 760

5.312A,

5.317A

28. Provisions relating to the use of the frequency band 694-790 MHz in Region 1 by the mobile, except aeronautical mobile, service and by other services

790 – 862 MHz

15

224, 749

5.312A,

5.317A

29. Use of the frequency band 790- 862 MHz in countries of Region 1 and the Islamic Republic of Iran by mobile applications and by other services

862-890 MHz

15

224,

760 & 749

5.317A

30. The parts of the frequency band 698-960 MHz in Region 2 and the frequency bands 694-790 MHz in Region 1 and 790-960 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 which are allocated to the mobile service on a primary basis are identified for use by administrations wishing to implement International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)

960-1 164 MHz

15

417

5.327A,

5.328

31. Use of the frequency band 960-1 164 MHz by the aeronautical mobile (R) service

1 350-1 400 MHz

15

750

 

32. Compatibility between the Earth exploration-satellite service (passive)
33. and relevant active services

1 427-1 429 MHz

15

223

5,341A

34. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications

1 452-1 492 MHz

15

223, 739,

761

5.346,

5.208B

35. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
36. Compatibility of International Mobile Telecommunications and broadcasting-satellite service (sound) in the frequency band 1 452-1 492 MHz in Regions 1 and 3

1 492-1 518 MHz

15

223

5.341A

37. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications

1 525-1 530 MHz

15

739

5.208B

38. Compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active space services in certain adjacent and nearby frequency bands

1 530-1 535 MHz

15

739

5.208B

39. Compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active space services in certain adjacent and nearby frequency bands

1 535-1 559 MHz

15

739

5.208B

40. Compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active space services in certain adjacent and nearby frequency bands

1 559-1 610 MHz

15

739

5.208B

41. Compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active space services in certain adjacent and nearby frequency bands

1 613.8-1 626.5 MHz

15

739

5.208B

42. Compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active space services in certain adjacent and nearby frequency bands

1 710-1 930 MHz

15

223, 212

5.384A,

5.388

43. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
44. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

1885 – 2025/ 2100 -

2200

07

212

 

45. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the bands 1885-2025 MHz and 2110-2200 MHz

1 930-1 970 MHz

15

223, 212

5.388

46. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
47. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

1970-1980 MHz

15

223, 212

5.388

48. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
49. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

1980-2010 MHz

15

223, 212

5.388

50. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
51. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

2010-2025 MHz

15

223, 212

5.388

52. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
53. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

2110-2120 MHz

15

223, 212

5.388

54. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
55. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

2120-2160 MHz

15

223, 212

5.388

56. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
57. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

2160-2170 MHz

15

223

212

5.388

58. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
59. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

2170-2200 MHz

15

223

212

 

60. Additional frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications
61. Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz

2200-2290 MHz

97

622

5.391

62. In making assignments to the mobile service in the frequency bands 2 025-2 110 MHz and 2 200-2 290 MHz, administrations shall not introduce high-density mobile systems

2300 – 2400

12

223

 

63. Additional frequency bands identified for IMT

3300-3400 MHz

15

223

5.429A,

5.429B

64. Additional frequency bands identified for International
65. Mobile Telecommunications

3400-3600 MHz

2004

 

5.430A

66. The allocation of the frequency band 3 400-3 600 MHz to the mobile, except aeronautical mobile, service is subject to agreement obtained under No. 9.21.

4200-4400 MHz

15

424

5.436,

5.437

67. Use of Wireless Avionics Intra- Communications in the frequency band 4 200-4 400 MHz

5010-5030 MHz

15

741

5.443B

68. Protection of the radio astronomy service in the frequency ban 4 990-5 000 MHz from unwanted emissions of the radio navigation - satellite service (space-to-Earth) operating in the frequency band 5 010-5 030 MH

5030-5091 MHz

15

114

5.444

69. Compatibility between the aeronautical radio navigation service and the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space) (limited to feeder links of the non-geostationary mobile satellite systems in the mobile satellite service in the frequency band 5 091-5 150 MHz

5091-5150 MHz

15

114

5.444A,

5.444

70. Compatibility between the aeronautical radio navigation service and the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space) (limited to feeder links of the non-geostationary mobile satellite systems in the mobile satellite service) in the frequency band 5 091-5 150 MHz

5150 – 5250/ 5250 –

5350/ 5470 – 5725

12,

Rev.15

229

5.446

71. Use of the bands 5150-5250 MHz, 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz by the mobile service for the implementation of wireless access systems including radio local area networks

5250-5255 MHz

 

229,

5.447F

72. Use of the bands 5150-5250 MHz, 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz by the mobile service for the implementation of wireless access systems including radio local area networks

5470-5570 MHz

15

229

5.450A

73. Use of the bands 5150-5250 MHz, 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz by the mobile service for the implementation of wireless access systems including radio local area networks

5 725-5 830 MHz

15

762

5.150

74. Application of power flux density criteria to assess the potential for harmful interference under No. 11.32A for fixed satellite and broadcasting-satellite service networks in the 6 GHz and 10/11/12/14 GHz frequency bands not subject to a Plan

5925-6700 MHz

03,

rev.15

902

5.457A

75. Provisions relating to earth stations located on board vessels which operate in fixed satellite service networks in the uplink bands 5 925-6 425 MHz and 14-14.5 GHz

7 300-7 375 MHz

15

 

5.461

76. Additional allocation: the bands 7 250-7 375 MHz (space-to-Earth) and 7 900-8 025 MHz (Earth-to space) are also allocated to the mobile-satellite service on a primary basis, subject to agreement obtained under No. 9.21.

7 375-7 450 MHz

15

 

5.461AA

5.461AB

77. The use of the frequency band 7 375-7 750 MHz by the maritime mobile satellite service is limited to geostationary-satellite networks.

7 450-7 550 MHz

15

 

5.461AA

5.461AB

78. The use of the frequency band 7 375-7 750 MHz by the maritime mobile satellite service is limited to geostationary-satellite networks.

7 550-7 750 MHz

15

 

5.461AA

5.461AB

79. The use of the frequency band 7 375-7 750 MHz by the maritime mobile satellite service is limited to geostationary-satellite networks.

9 200-9 300 MHz

15

 

5.474A

5.474B

5.474C

80. In the band 9 200-9 500 MHz, search and rescue transponders (SART) may be used, having due regard to the appropriate ITU-R Recommendation

9900-10 000 MHz

15

 

5.474A

5.474B

5.474C

81. The use of the frequency bands 9 200-9 300 MHz and 9 900-10 400 MHz by the Earth exploration-satellite service (active) is limited to systems requiring necessary bandwidth greater than 600 MHz that cannot be fully accommodated within the frequency band 9 300-9 900 MHz

10-10.4 GHz

15

 

5.474D

5.479

82. Stations in the Earth exploration-satellite service (active) shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, stations of the maritime radio navigation and radio location services in the frequency band 9 200-9 300 MHz, the radio navigation and radio location services in the frequency band 9 900-10 000MHz and the radio location service in the frequency band 10.0-10.4 GHz. (WRC-15)

10.7-10.95 GHz

15

 

5.441

83. The use of the bands10.7- 10.95 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.2-11.45 GHz (space-to- Earth) and 12.75-13.25 GHz (Earth-to-space) by a non-geostationary- satellite system in the fixed-satellite service is subject to application of the provisions of No. 9.12 for coordination with other non-geostationary- satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service.

10.95-11.2 GHz

15

155

5.484A

5.484B

84. Regulatory provisions related to earth stations on board unmanned aircraft which operate with geostationary satellite networks in the fixed satellite service in certain frequency bands not subject to a Plan of Appendices 30, 30A and 30B for the control and non-payload communications of unmanned aircraft systems in non-segregated airspaces

11.2-11.45 GHz

15

 

5.441

85. The use of the bands 10.7- 10.95 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.2-11.45 GHz (space-to- Earth) and 12.75-13.25 GHz (Earth-to-space) by a non-geostationary- satellite system in the fixed-satellite service is subject to application of the provisions of No. 9.12 for coordination with other non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service.

11.45-11.7 GHz

15

Rec.F387

 

86. This band is used for Fixed links (11 GHz) (10.7-11.7 GHz).

13.4-13.65 GHz

15

902

 

87. Standard frequency and time signal-satellite (Earth-to-space)

14-14.25 GHz

15

902

 

88. Provisions relating to earth stations located on board vessels which operate in fixed satellite service networks in the uplink bands 5 925-6 425 MHz and 14-14.5 GHz

14.25-14.3 GHz

15

902

 

89. Provisions relating to earth stations located on board vessels which operate in fixed satellite service networks in the uplink bands 5 925-6 425 MHz and 14-14.5 GHz

14.47-14.5 GHz

15

902

 

90. Provisions relating to earth stations located on board vessels which operate in fixed satellite service networks in the uplink bands 5 925-6 425 MHz and 14-14.5 GHz

14.5-14.75 GHz

15

 

163,

91. Deployment of earth stations in some Regions 1 and 2 countries in the frequency band 14.5-14.75 GHz in the fixed satellite service (Earth-to-space) not for feeder links for the broadcasting-satellite service

15400 – 15700

07

614

 

92. Use of the band 15.4-15.7 GHz by the radio location service

21.4-22 GHz

15

739

5.208B,

5.530A

93. Compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active space services in certain adjacent and nearby frequency bands

22.550 – 23.150 GHz

07

753

 

94. Use of the band 22.55-23.15 GHz by the space research service

25.5-27 GHz

15

F.748

5.536B

95. National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environment Satellite System (NPOESS) Fixed Links (26 GHz) (24.5 –26.5 GHz) BFWA (24.5-26.5 GHz

27.5-28.5 GHz

17

143

 

96. Guidelines for the implementation of high-density applications in the fixed satellite service in frequency bands identified for these applications

29.1-29.5 GHz

15

143

 

97. Guidelines for the implementation of high-density applications in the fixed satellite service in frequency bands identified for these applications

31-31.3 GHz

15

07

5.149

98. In making assignments to stations of other services to which the band allocated, administrations are urged to take all practicable steps to protect the radio astronomy service from harmful Interference. Emissions from space borne or airborne stations can be particularly serious sources of interference to the Radio astronomy service (see Nos. 4.5 and 4.6 and Article 29). (WRC-07)

42.5-43.5 GHz

15

S.1586-1

RA.1631-0

5.551H

99. Calculation of unwanted emission levels produced by a non-geostationary fixed satellite service system at radio astronomy sites
100. Reference radio astronomy antenna pattern to be used for compatibility analyses between non-GSO systems and radio astronomy service stations based on the epfd concept

 

5.3 Other Migration issues

The table below summarises other migration issues that have been highlighted.

 

Table 5 Summary of migration issues

Frequency Band (MHz)

Current Allocation

Proposed Allocation

Notes

380 – 400

Public Safety

(SAPS, DoD etc.)

Public Safety only

Consolidate all public safety related services in this band; move other users out of the band

410 – 430

Government services, Mobile Data and Trunking

Digital Trunking only

Reserve for Digital Trunking use only; migrate mobile data, ESKOM, SAPS out of the band

440 – 450

Short range business radio/ PMR/ other links

Short Range Business Radio, PMR only

Should be cleared of all other users; Communal repeaters can be allocated in this band

450 – 470

FIXED, MOBILE

IMT

Should be cleared of all other users

694 – 790 &

790-862

BROADCAST

IMT

Studio Links need to be migrated out to enable efficient allocation for IMT. Self Help stations need to migrate to below 694 MHz Frequency band 694 to 862 MHz to be cleared from analogue and digital broadcast services for implementation of IMT

921 – 925 paired with 876 - 880


GSM-R

Originally allocated by SABRE 1 for digital trunking – currently unused

1350 – 1375 paired with 1492 – 1517

Shared duplex band

BFWA

Could be a consideration for rural BFWA

1375 – 1400 paired with 1427 – 1452

Shared duplex band

BFWA

Could be a consideration for rural BFWA

2025 – 2110 paired with 2200 – 2285

Fixed links (DF)

BFWA

Fixed links currently underutilized

3600 – 4200

Satellite (VSAT, downlink), Terrestrial backhaul

3600 – 3800 MHz BFWA

3600 – 4200 MHz PTP and FSS

Sharing Criteria to be developed between BFWA and FS PTP and/or FSS where feasible.

5850 – 6425

Fixed/ Satellite uplinks

Fixed/ Satellite uplink/ Outside Broadcast links

Migrate outside-broadcast from 2300 – 2450 MHz into upper C band

40000 and above


Allocate for PTP links

For local high-speed PTP data links (up to 5 km)