South Africa’s minister of communications Mrs Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has published a draft policy document that has proposed the trading of radio frequency spectrum in the country.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Ntshavheni said the spectrum policy aims to promote small and medium-sized enterprises, and foster the emergence of new entrants in the ICT sector.
“Our commitment of economic inclusion through the participation of SMMEs in the ICT sector remains a priority,” she said.
“While we acknowledge that due to limitations in spectrum, it is not possible to license spectrum to all more than 400 ECNS and ECS license holders, of which majority are SMMEs.
“However, we must continue with measures which will ensure that ultimately SMMEs are included in the ICT sector including on access to spectrum.”
Minister Ntshavheni also disclosed that efforts to roll out 4G and 5G technologies in the country are being coupled with attempts to drive down the cost of data.
“It is a foregone conclusion that data has become a new basic utility at the same level as water and electricity. It has become the enabler of innovation and wealth creation for any country,” the minister said.
The public has until 19 October to comment on the proposed policy.