Draft IMT roadmap for broadband open for comment

Need for broadband coverage

The growing demand for mobile broadband in South Africa indicates a need for more mobile broadband bandwidth capacity in general. It is known that many rural areas do not have access to mobile bandwidth, indicating a need for a universal mobile broadband coverage, a need best served by deploying lower frequencies that propagate a wider market.

A key driver for the deployment of IMT bands is the need to ensure that mobile broadband plays its role in meeting the objectives of 'broadband for all', which is encapsulated in the targets of SA Connect (Broadband Policy) and a key part of the document concerning the deployment of the 700 MHz and 800 MHz digital dividend bands (and potentially the 450-470 MHz Band) to provide universal service.

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The consultation document aims to share the findings and draft proposals of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa concerning the roadmap for radio frequency spectrum for IMT and builds on the Frequency Migration Plan published in April 2013.

The roadmap involves the migration of a number of current licensees out of (or within) bands identified for IMT services. For bands where costs and benefits of the migration were not straightforward, the Authority conducted further feasibility studies to determine the appropriateness of the migration.

All interested stakeholders are requested to make their submissions via email to Richard Makgotlho on az.gro.asaci@ohltogkamr. For more information, go to www.icasa.org.za.