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

ICASA

Notice regarding Final Radio Frequency Assignment Plans for the IMT3500 Band in terms of Regulation 3 of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015

2. Purpose

 

2.1 A Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan (RFSAP) provides information on the requirements attached to the use of a frequency band in line with the allocation and other information in the National Radio Frequency Plan (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 for this band was developed and is contained in Government Gazette number 38640 (Notice Number 278 of 2015). However, since 2015, this mid-band frequency (LTE Band 42) has been considered as one of the most popular global bands for IMT-2020 deployments. This current RFSAP exercise reviews, amends and updates the RFSAP of 2015 as required.

 

2.3 This RFSAP states the requirements for the utilisation of the frequency band 3400 MHz to 3600 MHz for IMT3500.

 

2.4 The ITU states that International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems 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. Key features of the IMT systems are:

 

• a high degree of commonality of functionality worldwide whilst retaining the flexibility to support a wide range of services and applications in a cost-efficient manner;
• compatibility of services within IMT and with fixed networks;
• capability of interworking with other radio access systems;
• high quality mobile services;
• user equipment suitable for worldwide use;
• user-friendly applications, services, and equipment;
• worldwide roaming capability; and
• enhanced peak data rates to support advanced services and applications.