ICASA makes more spectrum available to meet Internet demand

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), recently announced the emergency release of broadband spectrum to meet a spike in Internet demand during the 21-day lockdown to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

“The emergency release of this spectrum does not … negate the processes that are currently underway for permanent assignment of spectrum through an auction, the process which the authority had committed to finalise by the end of 2020,” said ICASA in a statement.

The temporary release of high demand spectrum will last for the duration of the national state of disaster declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa, said ICASA, as South Africa implements a 21-day lockdown from March, 26 to April, 16 in a bid to control infection rates.

The emergency release is expected to ease network congestion and maintain the quality of broadband services in Africa’s most industrialised economy.

Licencees are required to submit their applications to ICASA by  April, 9 the regulator added.