FEATURE
Writer: Dale Hes
Bridging the digital divide
trum, also known as International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), refers to radio frequency bands that are in high demand by mobile and wireless operators. It is anticipated that the high-demand spectrum will lay the platforms for a rapid expansion of the digital economy. Government, through the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is taking the needed steps to sell this spectrum to telecoms operators through auctions.
Economic benefits ICASA Chairperson, Dr Photo: Pixabay
Keabetswe Modimoeng, explained the benefits of
E
the IMT. xpanding access
interventions of the plan
duce data costs for firms
to the internet and
include reducing data
and households.
reducing data
costs for every South
The licensing of a
“The spectrum auction proceeds will have broader economic ben-
costs have been recog-
African and expanding
high-demand frequency
efits for the country as
nised as crucial cogs in
broadband access to
spectrum has long
they will also incentivise
the Economic Recon-
low-income households.
been earmarked as a
broadband infrastruc-
significant step towards
ture investment and
release of high-demand
reducing data costs and
thus stimulate economic
spectrum by March 2021
driving investment in
growth.
the ERRP, President
and the completion of
digital infrastructure.
Cyril Ramaphosa said
digital migration will re-
struction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). At the launch of
32
He added that the
High-demand spec-
“More importantly, the release of spectrum is
Public Sector Manager • December 2020/January 2021
