In a significant development, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) issued Notice 1822 of 2023 on May 23, amending its Frequency Spectrum Regulations. This amendment introduces crucial changes to accommodate the unlicensed use of the lower 6 GHz band by Short Range Devices (SRDs).
The amended regulations provide detailed specifications for various frequency ranges and their permissible applications, maximum power limits, and technical references. Notably, new entries include:
– 5925 – 6425 MHz for Wireless Access System/Radio Local Area Network, adhering to the EN 303 687 standard, with specified transmission power limits for different types of equipment.
– 122-122.25GHz, 122.25-123GHz, and 244-246GHz for Non-Specific SRDs, each with prescribed maximum effective isotropic radiated power (e.i.r.p) levels, referencing the EN 305 550 standard.
These amendments reflect ICASA’s efforts to align regulatory frameworks with evolving technology trends and industry requirements. The revisions follow a recent public consultation targeting the 6 GHz band, indicating a proactive approach to spectrum management.
Moreover, while emphasizing the unlicensed status of these frequency bands, ICASA underscores the continued mandatory Type Approval requirement for SRDs. The conditions and criteria for utilizing each frequency band are clearly outlined in the regulatory framework.
This update reinforces South Africa’s commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring responsible spectrum utilization. Stakeholders operating within the SRD domain are urged to adhere to the updated regulations to maintain compliance and contribute to the advancement of telecommunications technology in the country.