The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released an application from Telkom requesting extra cellular network capacity.
The mobile operator is requesting an increase of 27 megahertz (MHz) in the 2300MHz spectrum band, which it currently utilises for its 4G network. If the application mentioned above is approved, Telkom will have access to all frequencies in the band between 2300MHz and 2387MHz.
The operator has also applied to surrender the use of frequencies in the 2400MHz band, which were previously assigned to it along with its 2300MHz frequencies. The spectrum application has been opened for public comment by the communication regulator, claiming that regulations compel it to undertake public consultations.
Other mobile network operators have expressed dissatisfaction with Telkom’s application, suggesting that ICASA auction off these frequencies alongside other high-demand spectra. South Africa’s long-delayed spectrum auction was rescheduled on September 15 because E-tv’s owner, eMedia, refused to settle with ICASA.
eMedia is involved in the process as E-tv operates on a spectrum that ICASA aims to take back and issue to mobile network operators once South Africa’s transition to digital television transmission is complete. Communications Minister, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, hopes to complete the digital TV migration by January 2022, while ICASA plans to begin the spectrum auction on March 1, 2022.
eMedia, on the other hand, has taken legal action to prevent the government from shutting down South Africa’s ageing analogue television network in January. According to eMedia, migrating the millions of households currently receiving analogue TV signals to receive SABC and E-tv via an antenna will take 15–18 months.
Given the tumultuous situation around spectrum in South Africa, Telkom’s competitors are likely to resist the company’s request for an extra 2300MHz spectrum.
