On 15 December 2011, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) launched a public consultation on the proposed draft Spectrum Assignment Plan for the radio frequency range 790 – 862 MHz (800 MHz) and 2500 – 2690 MHz (2.6 GHz) (Notice 911 of 2011 of 15 December 2011).

 The purpose of the spectrum assignment plan is among others (page 5 of the Notice 911):

- Set out the specific terms and conditions for the use of the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz radio frequency bands

- Set out specific qualification criteria to be met by applicants

- Set out the procedures and timetable to be followed for assignment and licensing

- The apportionment of the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands for International Mobile Telecommunications

- Give detailed frequency channelling arrangements

- Indicate the licensing approach

ICASA proposes that the designs of frequency channel arrangements are:

- For the 800 MHz band should be in line with the decision ECC/DEC/(09)03 and the draft revision of the ITU-R Recommendation M.1036-3

- For 2.6 GHz band should be in line with ITU-R Recommendation M.1036-3 (current and the draft review) and EC decision 2008/477/EC

Firstly, comments in written could be submitted until the last 31 January 2012, but ICASA has extended the period until next 29 February 2012, according to the National Gazette No. 34961, Vol 559 which can be read in the following link.

The full Notice 911 of 2011 of 15 December 2011 can be read at the following link where more details of the public consultation can be read.