The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) today withdrew its invitation to industry to apply for spectrum in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz band, effectively canning SA's first high-frequency radio spectrum auction.
The sought-after spectrum is ideally located for high-speed broadband connectivity, specifically for LTE and WiMax technologies.
Speaking at a press conference in Sandton this morning, ICASA councillor Marcia Socikwa noted that since releasing the first invitation to apply, the authority had been inundated by requests from the industry seeking clarity on the finer details of the licensing process.
As a result, the auction has been called off in favour of a more consultative process dependent on the appointment of an experienced spectrum auctioneer.
The authority also indicated rapid technological advancements reveal that LTE technology is emerging as the more favoured technology in industry; a change that would have to be accommodated for in a new invitation to apply (ITA).
“While in the past WiMax was the clear favourite, recently published literature suggests that market sentiment towards LTE has increased, suggesting that further consultation is necessary,” explained Socikwa.
Regulations remain
Despite proposed changes to the technical considerations and auctioneering process, ICASA says it stands firm on two key requirements to participate in the auction: the historically-disadvantage individual status and population coverage requirement.
The 30% rating for historically-disadvantaged status will remain, stated Socikwa. “The regulations will not be changed and this requirement is not optional. Transformation and ownership equity is not an option in this country,” she argued.
Regarding the requirement that winning bidders will have to guarantee they will cover 50% of the country's population within two years of their licences being granted, Socikwa noted the authority was willing to negotiate the time frame of the rollout.
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