The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has denied reports suggesting it aims to license high-frequency radio spectrum bands in the 50GHz to 80GHz range.
In a statement released today, the authority says it has "no plans" to do so in its performance plan and would notify stakeholders, should the situation change.
The first Future Wireless Technologies Forum took place in Midrand yesterday, organised by the Wireless Access Providers' Association, and focused on technology solutions and related business opportunities in the millimetre wave (mmW) band, with focus on V-Band (60GHz) and E-Band (70GHz and 80GHz).
Speaking to ITWeb, ICASA councillor William Stucke noted the workshop was primarily to inform the regulator of industry-relevant and available technologies that "can have real impact here and now". It also aimed to propose regulations and frameworks that will enable new opportunities for the industry and benefit all customers - including individuals, businesses or enterprise consumers.
But the authority's statement notes it has not taken a position on the matter, adding it "does not have a regime under which these technologies can be type-approved and allowed to be used in South Africa".
The full statement reads as follows:
"ICASA would like to distance itself from media reports that it intends to license the extremely high-frequency radio spectrum bands in the 50GHz - 80GHz.
"The authority would also like to categorically state it has no plans to do so in its 2014/15 annual performance plan. The authority is putting it on record that it is only when it has taken a position on the matter, that it will make an announcement to all stakeholders.
"The authority's position is that these statements were made by an ICASA councillor at an event on E-band technologies organised by the Wireless Access Providers' Association on Thursday, 29 May 2014; and this was done in his personal capacity, not as representing the official view of ICASA.
"ICASA currently does not have a regime under which these technologies can be type-approved and allowed to be used in South Africa."
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