RSA frequency allocation changes possible

On 22 July 2008, South African regulator ICASA published the revised table of frequency allocations, a process that is mandated by the Electronic Communication Act.

The South African Radio League (SARL) has studied the table and has submitted its comments to the regulator.

The next step is for ICASA to review all the comments received and to hold public hearings if required. Once the final table has been agreed, it will be published in the Government Gazette together with the date of when the new table will replace the old table.

The SARL has reviewed the table in accordance with a world-wide document entitled Spectrum Requirements for the Amateur and Amateur-satellite Services published by the IARU Administrative Council on 22 August 2008.

The proposed South African table already includes the expansion of the 40 metre band to 7 200 kHz as well as a new allocation of 135,7 - 137,8 kHz in the long wave spectrum.

In the table the limitation that currently exists for ZRs in the 14 MHz band has been removed.

Some time ago the SARL made a representation to ICASA to have the 160 metre band expanded to 2 000 kHz as well as a new allocation in the 5 MHz spectrum. The SARL has put forward a further proposal to be considered as part of the table of allocation review process.

The SARL has also addressed spectrum needs in the 2 300 - 2 450 MHz band and an allocation in the 3 300 - 3 500 MHz band, to align South Africa with other parts of the world where this band is being considered for amateur satellite use. This allocation is not generally allocated in ITU region one except in some individual CEPT countries who have an allocation for amateur satellites in the 3 400 - 3 410 MHz band.

The South African table of frequency allocations include an interesting allocation for use by radio amateurs in the 40 MHz band. The frequencies 40,675 - 40,685 MHz may be used for propagation studies with a maximum power limit of 10 Watt EIRP, limited to ZS licensees.

Please note that all current regulations and allocations remain in force and that any new allocations will only become available when published in the Government Gazette.

The South African Radio League