have to apply for additional spectrum<\/strong><\/a> and also prove they need the spectrum.<\/p>\nTo get a slice of this spectrum, operators will have to provide a network performance report, show congested areas, and give network projections during the lockdown.<\/p>\n
They also need to indicate the spectrum band they require access to and detail the benefits they will provide to consumers.<\/p>\n
Technical problems<\/h3>\n
Apart from the protracted process of getting additional spectrum, there is another challenge – the available spectrum bands.<\/p>\n
Five spectrum bands will be made available for temporary assignment – 700MHz, 800MHz, 2,300MHz, 2,600MHz, and 3,500MHz.<\/p>\n
While Rain uses the 2,600MHz band and Telkom the 2,300MHz band, none of the other operators currently use these spectrum bands.<\/p>\n
Vodacom and MTN have modernised large parts of their network, which means the radio infrastructure and transmission is in place to use a wide range of spectrum bands.<\/p>\n
They will, however, still need to buy and install new radios to use these new spectrum bands in many parts of their networks.<\/p>\n
This equipment is procured internationally and paid for in US dollars. The weak exchange rate and international shipping limitations will therefore be another hurdle for operators to face.<\/p>\n
Device support<\/h3>\n
Another matter which people are not told is that their smartphone may not support the spectrum bands which ICASA has made available.<\/p>\n
This is especially true for lower-end smartphones in South Africa, which do not always support spectrum bands like 2,300MHz and 2,600MHz.<\/p>\n
Unless your device supports the new temporary spectrum bands, you may not see any improvement in performance.<\/p>\n
Many people believe that additional spectrum will bring immediate relief, but this is not the case. It can take weeks to upgrade a network if additional equipment is needed.<\/p>\n
It is also debatable whether all mobile operators will invest a large amount of money and time into getting access to temporary spectrum if it does not hold a real benefit for them.<\/p>\n
To invest in new radios at a high exchange rate, ship them in, install these radios, and roll this out across their network is resource intensive.<\/p>\n
As there is no lasting benefit to mobile operators, some of them may use other ways to help subscribers instead.<\/p>\n
This is an opinion piece.<\/em><\/p>\n