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

ICASA

Notice regarding Final Radio Frequency Assignment Plans for the Frequency Band 335.4 to 380 MHz in terms of Regulation 3 of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015

2. Purpose

 

2.1 The RFSAP provides information on the requirements attached to the use of a frequency band in line with the allocation and other information in the NRFP. This information includes 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.

 

2.2 The RFSAP states the requirements for the utilisation of the frequency band between 335.4 - 380 MHz for co-primary Fixed and Mobile Services, and Mobile-Satellite (space-to-earth) services on a secondary basis.

 

2.3 This follows the feasibility study concerning the 335.4 - 380 MHz band1, as mandated by the 2019 Radio Frequency Migration Plan2. The 2019 RFM made two (2) key proposals for this band:
2.3.1 Firstly, migrating the existing over 1300 fixed links in this 335.4 - 380 MHz band to above 3 GHz as per SADC proposed common sub-allocation/utilisation. The current players have shown indications that they may relinquish these Fixed Links assignments spectrum due to spectrum fees imposed.
2.3.2 Secondly, that a feasibility study on the use of this band as per SADC Frequency Allocation Plan (FAP) sub-allocation/utilisation to assign BFWA and UAV Fixed and Mobile Services respectively in the band.

 

2.4 However, at the conclusion of the feasibility study into the band3, the Authority has concluded that these proposals would result in a more inefficient use of this spectrum band, because the fixed links would be migrated out (faster) and yet no new BWA/UVA services are licensed in the band in the near future.

 

2.5 Therefore, the Authority has concluded that proceeding with an exclusive assignment just for BFWA (in the Fixed Service) and UAVs (in the Mobile Service) in this band is premature at this stage. Consequently, though the co-primary allocations for Fixed and Mobile Services (and Mobile-Satellite (space-to-earth) services on a secondary basis) will continue, the Authority will not continue with its intention to assign exclusively for just BFWA and UAV applications.

 

2.6 Therefore, the intention of this RFSAP is to assign this band for Fixed and Mobile Services (inclusive of non-exclusive BFWA and UAV services) with coordination amongst fixed and mobile services. This Authority decision is consistent with the ITU and SADC allocations for the 335.4 - 380 MHz band as shown in Appendix A. The proposed SADC common sub-allocations and the sub-bands proposed will be respected in this RFSAP (see Appendix A).

 

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1 Implementation of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan and the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Roadmap for public consultation, Government Gazette No. 45690, 24 December 2021.
2 Government Gazette No 42337, 29 March 2019. https://www.icasa.org.za/uploads/files/final-radio-frequency-migrationplan-2019.pdf
3 Implementation of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan and the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Roadmap for public consultation, Government Gazette No. 45690, 24 December 2021.