By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has approved the 2026 National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) following a comprehensive review by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The plan supports expanded licence-exempt spectrum use for Wi-Fi deployment.
Malatsi approved the final plan on 2 July 2026, before ICASA published it in the Government Gazette on 24 July.
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Malatsi said on Tuesday that the approval and publication marked an important step in unlocking the full potential of spectrum as a resource to create more opportunities for expanded broadband connectivity, enhanced Wi-Fi access, stronger broadcasting services and support for critical sectors.
“This plan contributes to our goal of building an inclusive digital economy that benefits all South Africans,” Malatsi said.
The department said that the plan represented a significant milestone for South Africa’s communications, broadcasting and digital technologies sectors.
It noted that the NRFP serves as South Africa’s master spectrum map, determining which radio frequencies may be utilised, by whom, for which services and subject to what conditions.
“It is fundamental to affordable connectivity, technological innovation, and the continued growth of the country’s digital economy,” the department said.
“Every phone call, mobile data connection, radio or television broadcast, Wi-Fi service, and emergency communication relies on spectrum that must be carefully planned, coordinated, and protected against harmful interference.”
ICASA’s review process began with the publication of the first draft plan for public comment in April 2025.
A second draft was published in November 2025, written submissions closed in December, and public hearings were held on 15 and 16 January 2026.
Under Section 34(11) of the Electronic Communications Act, the minister was required, within 30 days of receiving the plan, either to approve it or notify ICASA that further consultation was required.
The department said that the NRFP will enable ICASA to undertake spectrum migration where necessary, issue Radio Frequency Assignment Plans and publish Invitations to Apply for additional spectrum needed to expand mobile broadband services, enhance connectivity nationwide and foster greater certainty for investment in the sector.
The plan does not itself allocate or licence all additional spectrum, with some bands still requiring feasibility studies, assignment plans and further regulatory processes.
The department said the plan also responded to the government’s need to expand Wi-Fi connectivity, including in rural and underserved areas.
ICASA had previously opened the lower 6GHz band, from 5,925MHz to 6,425MHz, for licence-exempt Wi-Fi use in 2023. The 2026 plan incorporates this use into South Africa’s broader spectrum framework, while identifying other bands for possible future broadband services subject to further regulatory processes.
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“Such allocation will empower small players who are often excluded from high-cost licensed spectrum, to offer connectivity services, with positive knock-on effects for job creation, more affordable cost to communicate, improved access to the internet which can support learners in accessing online material, access to Government services, and meaningful progress in bridging the digital divide,” the department said.
“The Plan further provides for the allocation of spectrum to a range of essential services, including aeronautical, maritime, scientific, and research services, ensuring that critical sectors of the economy continue to benefit from reliable and efficient spectrum access.”
