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

ICASA

Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan for the Frequency Band 470 to 694 MHz

2. Purpose

 

3.1 The purpose of this RFSAP is:
3.1.1 to provide a plan for the phased approach in implementing the analogue television switch-off onto Digital Terrestrial Television through a Single Frequency Network (SFN);
3.1.2 to implement the Transitional arrangements provisions set out in regulation 9 of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan published in Government Gazette 38640 (Notices 271, 272, 273 and 274 of 2015);
3.1.3 to provide information on the requirements attached to the use of a frequency band in line with the allocation and other information in the latest version of the National Radio Frequency Plan 2018 ("NRFP");
3.1.4 to provide information on technical characteristics of radio systems, frequency channelling, coordination and details on required migration of existing users of the band and the expected method of assignment;
3.1.5 to provide the requirements necessary for the utilisation of the frequency band between 470 to 694 MHz for DTT in order to release frequencies in the band 694 to 860 MHz for IMT immediately after analogue television switch-off in the affected areas;
3.1.6 to ensure alignment of Annexure J of the Terrestrial Broadcasting Plan 2013, with the notified frequencies of the ITU-R Master International Frequency Register (MIFR). The aim being to emphasise the ITU’s recognition that stated that MT systems which are mobile systems that provide access to a wide range of telecommunication services including advanced mobile services, supported by mobile and fixed networks, which are increasingly packet-based;
3.1.7 to speed-up the process to release the frequency bands from 694 to 862 MHz for IMT; and
3.1.8 to enable the immediate availability of the band 470 to 694 MHz for Digital Terrestrial Television at the time of analogue Television switch-off.

 

3.2 The key features of this RFSAP for DTT are:
3.2.1 a high degree of commonality of functionality worldwide while retaining the flexibility to support a wide range of services and applications in a cost-efficient manner;
3.2.2 compatibility of services within IMT and with fixed broadcast networks;
3.2.3 capability of interworking with other radio access systems;
3.2.4 high quality DTT services;
3.2.5 user equipment suitable for worldwide use;
3.2.6 user-friendly applications, services and equipment; and
3.2.7 allow for the most efficient use of the spectrum using the DVB-T2 technology together with SFN networks.