ICASA spectrum assignment plans welcomed
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) today (14 December 2011) unveiled their 800MHz and 2.6Ghz spectrum assignment plans.
The telecoms regulator is planning to bundle 800Mhz and 2.6Ghz spectrum blocks – two spectrum bands which are sought after for the rollout of LTE networks.
ICASA further said that they will assign spectrum specifically for a wholesale network where the network operator will not be allowed to sell these services in the retail market.
Cautiously optimistic
Industry players are cautiously optimistic about the regulator’s proposed process to assign this valuable spectrum.
ISPA’s Regulatory Advisor, Dominic Cull, said that it is a welcome movement and that it looks like a progressive move by the regulator.
Dominic Cull
Cull said that it is refreshing to see that the regulator is using some of the tools which can assist them to manage spectrum better.
Cull has some concerns however, such as the lack of detail on the 30% historically disadvantaged individual (HDI) shareholding requirement. Cull warned that unless the mobile operators are allowed to apply for spectrum the process may well land up in court.
Cull also urged ICASA to ensure that the process which is followed is correct to avoid any delays in the assignment of spectrum.
Mothibi Ramusi
Mothibi Ramusi, Cell C’s executive head of regulatory affairs, said that while he welcomes the process started by ICASA, they are concerned about the timeline as proposed.
“We have strongly advised ICASA to engage with the municipalities as a matter of urgency from the onset to facilitate the achievement of the proposed rollout obligations; including issues surrounding site acquisition and the issuing of permits. Given the fact that the full ICASA document will only be published tomorrow, Cell C is unable to give an in-depth analysis on ICASA’s plans at this time.”
MTN SA CTO Kanagaratnam Lambotharan
MTN SA, CTO Kanagaratnam Lambotharan, said that he appreciates that ICASA is seeing the urgency on this matter, but would only be able to provide a detailed response after the full ITA has been published.
Telkom said that they have yet to review the content of ICASA’s framework for the Licensing of High Demand Spectrum for Broadband, and will only be available to peruse once it has been gazetted.
The Wireless Access Providers’ Association of South Africa (WAPA) welcomed the progress in making spectrum available and the fact that a progressive plan has been outlined for the efficient use thereof.
“Although this seems to offer limited opportunities for smaller players and we will need to assess how the single wireless access wholesale network concept will work in practice, WAPA nonetheless looks forward to participating in the process and hopes it runs smoothly,” said WAPA.
Vodacom said that they are currently studying the documentation and the potential implications, and will only be able to provide comment after this process.
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