President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that licensing of new radio frequency spectrum is expected to reduce mobile data prices, expand network coverage to rural and outlying areas, and improve cellular network quality.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery South African who uses a mobile device will feel the benefits of this reform,\u201d Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to citizens.<\/p>\n
It will especially benefit the poor and those who currently don\u2019t access the Internet due to high costs or a lack of coverage, he said.<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa also acknowledged that South Africa\u2019s licensing of additional spectrum to mobile operators was delayed for nearly two decades due to state failures.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was delayed for many years due to the policy drift, state incapacity and vested interests that were a feature of the era of state capture,\u201d Ramaphosa stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that we have now completed this process reflects the determination of this administration to undertake \u2014 and accelerate \u2014 the far-reaching reforms that our economy needs to grow and create jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) concluded its high-demand spectrum auction last week.<\/p>\n
All six bidders in the auction walked away with additional spectrum, committing just under R14.5 billion. Icasa was hoping to raise at least R8 billion.<\/p>\n
The table below summarises the spectrum each network operator won, and how much they bid.<\/p>\n