Johannesburg: TECHz – News Desk
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has officially published its draft International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Roadmap 2026 for public consultation, alongside draft implementation plans.
The roadmap establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for spectrum allocation over the next five to ten years. The regulator’s core objective is to exponentially increase the volume of broadband spectrum available for assignment. ICASA aims to grow the available broadband spectrum from the current 850 MHz to at least 18,588 MHz by 2030.
This capacity scale-up is designed to keep pace with growing mobile data demand while answering the mandate of the SA Connect Broadband Policy and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. By ensuring the efficient use of high-demand spectrum, ICASA seeks to improve broadband access, narrow the digital divide, and catalyze investment in the telecommunications sector.
While enhancing existing 4G and 5G network penetration remains a priority, the IMT Roadmap 2026 is explicitly forward-looking, preparing the South African regulatory landscape for IMT-2030 technologies – the global designation for upcoming 6G wireless communication systems. The roadmap integrates recent international frameworks, notably the decisions stemming from the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) and the 2024 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations.
To advance these goals, ICASA has released several draft documents for industry feedback. These include Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plans (RFSAPs) outlining the management of various new IMT frequency bands, feasibility studies assessing the readiness of the newly identified spectrum ranges, and draft plans for exclusive geographic assignments in millimetre-wave ultra-high frequency bands. The millimetre-wave bands specifically targeted are the 24.25–27.5 GHz, 37.5–43.5 GHz, 45.5–47 GHz, and 47.2–48.2 GHz ranges.
These draft implementation plans are the mandatory first step before ICASA can issue future Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for commercial spectrum licenses. The proposed measures are intended to increase the amount of high-demand spectrum available by approximately 215%. Industry stakeholders and the public are invited to review the consultation documents on the ICASA website and submit written comments to help finalize the definitive spectrum blueprint.
