ICASA stands ground on spectrum auction, extends deadline
ICASA has announced a 30-day extension to the submission deadline for its invitation to apply for sought-after frequency spectrum.
The spectrum is from complementary bands in the 700MHz, 800MHz, and 2.6GHz frequencies.
Network operators have said they are in dire need of spectrum in these frequencies to roll out high-speed LTE services across South Africa.
With its invitation, ICASA announced its plan to divide spectrum from these bands into five lots – four of which would be auctioned at reserve prices of R3 billion each.
Applications initially had to be submitted by 3 October. ICASA has now extended the deadline to 4 November.
The extension comes amid a court battle between the regulator and the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Siyabonga Cwele.
Cwele, along with operators, have argued that ICASA’s invitation is irrational and did not follow proper procedure.
| ICASA Invitation Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Event | Start | Finish |
| X + 56 + 30 | Application date | 4 November 2016 | 4 November 2016 |
| X + 70 + 30 | Publication of list of applicants | 24 November 2016 | 24 November 2016 |
| X + 84 + 30 | Submission of queries/clarifications to Applicants regarding their Applications | 28 November 2016 | 15 December 2016 |
| X + 98 + 30 | Announcement of Applicants qualified as Bidders | 10 January 2017 | 10 January 2017 |
| X + 112 + 30 | Bidder seminar and mock auction | 16 January 2016 | 20 January 2017 |
| X + 119 + 30 | Start of auction | 27 February 2017 | 27 February 2017 |
| Y + 30 | End of auction | 10 March 2017 | 10 March 2017 |
| Y + 1 + 30 | Announcement of auction result | 13 March 2017 | 13 March 2017 |
| Y + 31 + 30 | Deadline for payment of auction fee | 24 April 2017 | 24 April 2017 |
| Z + 30 | Issuing of the Licenses | 2 June 2017 | 2 June 2017 |
More on ICASA’s spectrum auction
ICASA spectrum fight, the courts must decide: Minister
DStv competition investigation delayed: ICASA
Why Minister Siyabonga Cwele is suing Icasa
LTE spectrum auction for South Africa – bidding will start at R3 billion
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