Spectrum auction will help to unlock edge computing

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) recently opened up more radio frequency spectrum to boost WiFi and connectivity in the country. Within the next year, the authority is planning to release additional high-demand spectrum to unlock edge computing deployments.

This additional spectrum will be auctioned off and is expected to enable more robust and resilient network infrastructure to support edge computing - a rapidly growing technology that is making waves in the business landscape. While edge computing is still in its early stages in South Africa, there is growing awareness and adoption among enterprises.

What is a spectrum auction?

The country’s first International Mobile Telecommunications Radio Frequency Spectrum auction took place in March 2022. ICASA sold certain frequency bands to telecom operators and information and communication technology (ICT) service providers to open up the existing frequency range. This enabled new development opportunities and expansion of networks across the country.

This next spectrum auction, expected to take place in early 2024 will allow local businesses to tap into the full potential of next-generation technologies and networking tools. Experts agree that the additional radio frequency spectrum will revolutionise several industries and drive business growth.

How will additional spectrum help?

The spectrum auction will help to improve customer service through real-time analytics, cost reductions, reduced latency and improved security. It will also give service providers a much-needed boost in operational efficiency, especially for those industries that rely on Internet of Things (IoT) equipment, through more bandwidth capacity.

The additional spectrum will allow companies to improve their connectivity by deploying 5G technology and enabling faster data transmissions between edge devices (computers, laptops and smartphones) and their cloud or data centre environments.

Businesses will be able to better leverage their computing models to analyse and process data at the edge. Local data processing and analysis is highly beneficial for IoT applications and those systems that generate the data on-site as it allows for faster time to insight and improved decision-making.

Which businesses will benefit?

The main industries set to benefit from the spectrum auction and edge computing are transportation, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and industrial automation. However, several other industries will be able to make excellent use of edge computing and deployments.

The logistics and transportation industries can use edge computing for improved fleet management, supply chain optimisation and intelligent transportation systems. The manufacturing sector will benefit by bringing computing power closer to the production lines and machinery.

The retail sector will benefit from online shopping and self-service checkout at stores. Retail apps will be able to offer personalised shopping experiences while at physical stores by recommending products based on user shopping history. These apps will also notify shoppers of current specials and promotions.

Several other industries can also benefit by adopting edge computing and processing their data closer to the source. This will allow companies to generate actionable insights through more quantities of data that will be generated in their highly connected environments.

The successful adoption of edge computing not only requires sufficient spectrum but also the appropriate ICT infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks. Compliance with data protection laws needs to be adhered to for companies that want to make use of edge computing.

Working with a knowledgeable ICT service provider with the correct skills and expertise will make this process easier for enterprises. Seacom offers various connectivity and cloud services for companies in South Africa. For more information about these 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.

Seacom is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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