Within the next two months, the Department of Communications (DOC) aims to have a clear picture of what spectrum is used when the second phase of an audit is wrapped up.
The spectrum audit will determine which companies hold licences for which spectrum, and for what purpose. The results will be used by government to determine how spectrum can be used more efficiently, and locate frequency that is not being used.
The DOC has previously warned it will implement a use-it-or-lose-it principle, as spectrum is a valuable commodity and operators are reaching congestion stage on current allocation.
Phase one was completed last August, while the second phase and a report on the outcomes of both phases should be done in two months, says departmental spokesman Siya Qoza.
Hopelafleur Communications Networks won the R7.9 million contract, to audit frequency in the 500MHz to 1 000GHz range, towards the end of January last year. According to the DOC's Web site, the only other company to tender was LS of SA Radio Communication Services, which bid at R6.3 million.
The second phase, for 9KHz to 500MHz, was awarded to Matsema last October, for a value of R6.85 million. According to the department's documents, Matsema, Hopelafleur and Ramsteam bid for the deal.
Qoza says after the second phase is finished, a report will be compiled incorporating the outcome of both phases of the audit. "We are aiming to conclude everything within two months."
Much waiting
The audit has been on the cards since the former communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda announced it would happen in 2009. It was included in the department's 2009 to 2012 strategic plan and was set to finally get under way early last year.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited release of high-demand spectrum is set to be wrapped up by the end of next March.
This is according to recently-appointed communications minister Yunus Carrim, who was speaking yesterday at the 16th annual Southern Africa Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference.
Allocation of high-demand spectrum has been on the cards since around 2006. After years of submissions, public hearings and delays - largely relating to the lagging issue of digital migration - the new broadband policy went to Cabinet in June this year.
This document should pave the way for the Independent Communications Authority of SA to license 2.6GHz and 800MHz spectrum.
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