The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has recently announced its final radio frequency spectrum assignment plan for the 470 to 694 MHz frequency band.
The move is expected to now pave the way for the phased progression to the implementation of switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial television via a Single Frequency Network (SFN), according to a report in broadcastingandmedia.com.
ICASA also expect that this frequency assignment plan will support the rapid use for mobile broadband communications, as well as the releasing of the first and second digital dividends.
According to Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng – ICASA’s acting chairperson – the frequency assignment will deliver immediate availability of the 470 to 694 MHz for the DTT programme “at the time of analogue television switch-off.”
He thanked all relevant stakeholders for the assistance and continued support in the development and release of the final radio frequency spectrum assignment plan, and hopes that the myths and issues around the availability of spectrum in South Africa are now settled.
