South Africa – Draft Spectrum Regulation Amendments

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has publicly released draft amendment documents for the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations (2015) and Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations (2010), focusing on optimizing the regulatory system for satellite communication and wireless spectrum services. The revision is based on in-depth industry research on the national satellite service licensing framework, aiming to solve the problems of outdated spectrum rules, unclear fee standards and insufficient support for new satellite technologies. The new drafts are committed to improving regulatory certainty for spectrum market access, encouraging technological innovation, industrial investment and commercial application of satellite communication equipment, and realizing synchronous iteration between national regulatory rules and global communication technology development. All industry stakeholders including manufacturers, importers, testing institutions and communication operators can submit official written comments and revision suggestions before 16:00 on June 29, 2026. The full text of the draft regulations and supporting documents can be queried and downloaded from the official ICASA website and the South African Government Gazette. After the public comment period ends, the final official rules will be released, which will comprehensively adjust the spectrum usage specifications, license terms and tiered fee standards for satellite equipment and all kinds of wireless short-range devices, profoundly affecting the market access and compliance operation of South Africa’s wireless communication industry.

Release Date: June 2026