South African draft frequency spectrum policy released

On the 18th of September, South Africa's Department of Communications published the draft frequency spectrum policy for comment.

This policy, once finalized, will determine how spectrum is managed in South Africa and will provide ICASA with the guidelines. The policy will also affect the amateur radio spectrum and its management going forward.

The South African Radio League (SARL) will study the document and prepare a submission to the DOC requesting that the amateur spectrum is highlighted because of its nature in providing community services, particularly should an emergency arise. The policy also lays down some guidelines affecting spectrum pricing.

Radio Amateurs in South Africa are invited to study the document and make input to the SARL for possible inclusion in the submission being prepared by the SARL as the national body for amateur radio in South Africa.

The Government Gazette can be downloaded from www.sarl.org.za, click on publications and select ARMI.

The deadline for submissions to the SARL is 7 October 2009.