ICASA: No 2-Year Delay for Unused Spectrum Sharing in ZA

• ICASA has published draft RFSAPs and feasibility studies for mid-band and millimetre-wave allocations.
• The Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2026 (ECAB), proposes significant changes to the rules governing mobile, satellite, and innovative shared-access spectrum use.
• Written representations on the draft RFSAPs and feasibility studies are due by 4pm on 4 September 2026.
• Existing spectrum licensees face mandatory sharing of unused assigned spectrum after two years if the ECAB is enacted in its current form.

The ICASA overhaul has significant practical implications for mobile and wireless network operators. Lawyers advising clients on these matters should review the draft RFSAPs and feasibility studies, particularly on mid-band and millimetre-wave allocations, to avoid potential compliance exposures.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has set its sights on a major overhaul of the country's spectrum landscape, with far-reaching implications for mobile and wireless network operators. The Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2026 (ECAB), published by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), proposes significant changes to the rules governing mobile, satellite, and innovative shared-access spectrum use. For businesses in the sector, these developments signal a major shift in South Africa's spectrum pipeline over the next decade. The draft RFSAPs and feasibility studies, which are open for written representations until 4 September 2026, offer a critical opportunity to shape outcomes.

The regulatory landscape is undergoing significant changes, with ICASA's draft RFSAPs and feasibility studies at the forefront. The proposed framework includes new licence-exempt Innovation Spectrum bands, which could provide a faster and cheaper route to market for businesses eyeing rural connectivity, IoT, or innovative wireless deployments. Existing spectrum licensees should also be aware that the ECAB, if enacted in its current form, would introduce mandatory sharing of unused assigned spectrum after two years. This has significant implications for active deployment planning and evidence of utilisation.

The ICASA overhaul has significant practical implications for mobile and wireless network operators. Lawyers advising clients on these matters should review the draft RFSAPs and feasibility studies, particularly on mid-band and millimetre-wave allocations, to avoid potential compliance exposures. The 4 September 2026 submission deadline is a critical milestone, and businesses that fail to act risk being left behind in South Africa's rapidly evolving spectrum landscape.

Lawyers advising clients on mobile and wireless network operations should review the draft RFSAPs and feasibility studies for mid-band and millimetre-wave allocations by the 4 September 2026 submission deadline to avoid potential compliance exposures.

Source: Original reporting via Webber Wentzel