ICASA to make more spectrum available to boost WiFi

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced that they will make more spectrum available for WiFi services in the country. They have published an Amendment to Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015, stating that WiFi services in the lower 6GHz band will be opened up.

The range of frequencies lies between 5925MHz and 6425MHz, as allocated in the National Radio Frequency Plan. By making more spectrum available, ICASA will provide a much-needed boost for WiFi availability, which in turn will enable faster data transfer between devices and wireless infrastructure.

The secondary effects of this move include lower latency, improved efficiency and larger data throughput. Not only will this allow for more public WiFi hotspots, but it will also enable enterprises and small businesses to implement WiFi networks for their employees in areas where much of the spectrum is already taken up.

Why ICASA made the decision

The benefits noted above are the key reasons for this decision. ICASA explains that the additional spectrum will support more simultaneous connections with reduced delays and faster data speeds. In populated areas, WiFi signals can interfere with one another and data links can become congested quickly. This is particularly true in city centres and university campus environments.

“Overall, the implementation of the lower 6GHz frequency band is expected to provide significant improvements, more robust and reliable wireless communications and an enhanced user experience for consumers and businesses throughout the country,” says ICASA.

“The introduction of the lower 6GHz frequency band for the deployment of WiFi services will also support the growth of the digital economy and help to address the digital divide by providing better, more reliable and affordable connectivity to community access networks in underserved and remote areas. This can further drive innovation and development in the wireless industry,” the regulator adds.

This WiFi spectrum has been unlocked worldwide

South Africa is not the only country to make more spectrum available in the lower 6GHz frequency band; other countries have already done so with a proven increase in WiFi uptake and wireless connections. This plan will also provide key support for the national broadband strategy in enabling socio-economic development.

Throughout the process, ICASA says that it will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with the regulations outlined in the Annexure. This will protect the interest of businesses and consumers and ensure that the electromagnetic compatibility and safety requirements are adhered to.

“[ICASA] is further committed to ensure the country stays in the forefront of innovation in wireless technologies and believes the release of the lower 6GHz band and other short-range device frequency bands will assist it in reaching this goal,” says ICASA committee chairperson, councillor Peter Zimri.

This decision will have a positive impact on office wireless connectivity. SEACOM Business provides wireless internet access services to enterprises and SMEs in South Africa. For more information about our connectivity services or to get a quote, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

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