South African telecoms regulator moves to finalise spectrum licensing

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s telecoms regulator ICASA said on Thursday it is preparing to issue an invitation to apply (ITA) for high demand spectrum and the Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN), a significant step towards the rollout of 5G across more of the country.

Mobile operators MTN Group, Vodacom Group and Rain have started rolling out 5G networks in major South African cities using temporary spectrum assigned by the telecom regulator.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has committed to holding an auction to issue permanent high-demand spectrum licences by December.