The Department of Communications (DOC) has postponed its deadline for submissions on the draft national radio frequency spectrum policy directions.
Minister Dina Pule on 14 December published the draft policy directions for public comment for a period of 30 calendar days.
“Following representations from numerous stakeholders, it has been decided to extend the closing date for submissions on the draft National Radio Frequency Policy Directions to 31 January 2012, in order to provide interested parties with sufficient time to comment,” says the department.
Minister first
Last month, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) said it would not finalise the time line for the process of completing a Spectrum Assignment Plan and issuing an invitation to apply (ITA) until after Pule wrapped up policy directions on high demand spectrum and digital dividend.
Allocating more spectrum in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz ranges has been on the cards since 2006, but invitations to apply for frequency in the bands were withdrawn in June 2010.
Since then, there has been very little movement towards auctioning the spectrum, which is vital for operators to move to the next generation of technology.
On 14 December, ICASA published a framework to license spectrum in the coveted 2.6GHz and 800MHz bands. The authority has proposed doing away with auctions and is instead inviting proposals from operators.
It said the high-demand spectrum in the 2.6GHz range will be licensed by the end of April next year, paving the way for operators to start rolling out the next generation of mobile technology.
Encouraging participation
It initially said draft invitations to apply must be submitted by the end of January, and public hearings will be held between 1 and 3 February. The closing date for applications was 23 March, and the licensing process was set to be finalised on 30 April.
However, in order to encourage full participation in the ministerial process, ICASA has decided to extend the schedule for written submissions from 31 January to 29 February 2012.
Comments on the draft policy directions can be posted to Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001; delivered to First Floor, Block F, iParioli Office Park, 399 Duncan Street, Hatfield, Pretoria; or faxed to (012) 421-7019.
Comments can also be e-mailed. All comments must be marked for attention to Cynthia Lesufi, deputy director of frequency spectrum at the DOC.
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