- Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom, MTN, Liquid Communications and Rain Networks applied for the international mobile telecommunications spectrum.
- ICASA is set to conduct an auction for the licensing of high demand spectrum by 31 March next year.
- ICASA chair Keabetswe Modimoeng said the regulator welcomed the submissions.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) said this week that it received applications from the likes of Vodacom, Cell C and Rain Networks for its international mobile telecommunications spectrum, or high demand spectrum, which the regulator issued in October.
Among the applicants was also Telkom, MTN and Liquid Communications. The response to the invitation to apply is a much-needed shot in the arm for the South African economy and connectivity, as it is expected to play a role in dropping data costs.
ICASA said in a statement on Monday it would conduct an auction for the licensing of high demand spectrum by 31 March next year and will keep the public updated on the latest developments.
In the ICASA statement, the authority's chair, Keabetswe Modimoeng, said the regulator welcomed submissions from all applicants who responded to their call for the licensing of high demand spectrum.
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"We are ready and committed in ensuring that we take the necessary care; and that the release of the spectrum and this process in general is indeed procedurally fair and non-discriminatory," said Modimoeng.
The statement said during the invitation to apply, ICASA has made the international mobile telecommunications spectrum bands in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 2600MHz, and 3500MHz bands for assignment to qualifying applicants.
