The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published a discussion document to move towards the licensing of E-Band and V-Band radio frequency spectrum.
ICASA says in a statement that all interested stakeholders can submit written representations on the discussion document "regarding the use and licensing of the band 57 - 66GHz (V-Band) and the band 71 - 76GHz paired with the band 81 - 86GHz (E-Band)".
The discussion document was gazetted on 8 September and submissions need to be made by 27 November.
The authority says it aims to regulate the E-Band and V-Band radio frequency bands in a manner which is "effective and spectrum-efficient, and to keep licensing delays to the bare minimum". It will also propose licence exemption where feasible and light licensing where full exemption is not feasible.
"The authority has received a number of enquiries and requests from telecommunication network operators and equipment suppliers for access to the two bands (V-Band and E-Band).
"It is furthermore important to note there has not been a suitable, technical, regulatory framework for the use of these bands; and this has necessitated the authority to investigate the possibility of putting in place an appropriate regulatory framework."
ICASA says the discussion document proposes to introduce a licence-exempt approach for the V-Band, and a hybrid approach - a combination of light licensing and full licensing - for the E-Band.
"The comments and views expressed on the issues raised in the discussion document will assist the authority in creating a regulatory regime for the V-Band and the E-Band," according to ICASA.
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