[9 August 2026] ICASA will hold hybrid oral public hearings on the two sets of draft regulations setting out proposed amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015 and the Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations, 2010, on 19 and 20 August 2026.

ICASA to hold public hearings on draft amendments to the radio frequency spectrum regulatuibs and fees regulations

Below are links to written submissions received by the regulator:

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[29 June 2026] ICASA has published a notice setting out the licensing requirements for satellite operators to provide services in South Africa.

ICASA Notice regarding licensing requirements to operate satellite services

The notice provides a non-exhaustive list of licensing scenarios:

Service licensing

  • If a single entity intends to provide services using a satellite constellation, it will require an individual electronic communications network service (IECNS), an individual electronic communications service (IECS) and the relevant radio frequency spectrum (RFS) licences.
  • If a single entity intends to provide services on a wholesale basis to ECS licence holders, it will require an IECNS and relevant RFS licences.
  • If multiple entities intend to provide services using the same satellite constellation, such entities will operate independently from one another and will individually require an IECS, IECNS and relevant RFS licences, respectively.
  • If an entity intends to resell services duly obtained from an ECS licensee, it must register for an ECS reseller licence exemption.

RFS licensing

  • Licensees who intend to provide services using the same satellite constellation, and operating in the same frequency band, must apply to ICASA for spectrum sharing on a coordinated basis.
  • When applying for RFS licensing, licensees must apply for the full RFS range that the terminal will be operating on (i.e., the full RFS range used by the satellite constellation),

Gateway earth stations

  • In order for an entity to operate a Gateway Earth Station (“GES”) an IECNS licence and the relevant RFS licences are required.
  • Multiple GESs that connect to the same satellite constellation may be operated by different IECNS licence holders, operating independently from one another and holding appropriate RFS licences.
  • GESs operated by a single entity, for the same satellite constellation, utilising the same RFS, at different locations, are not sharing the RFS but re-using it.
  • GESs operated by different licensees, that use the same satellite constellation will be required to apply for spectrum sharing on a coordinated basis.
  • Where the GES associated with a satellite network is not located in South Africa, the applicant should demonstrate to ICASA how lawful interception will be done.

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[16 May 2026] ICASA has implemented its findings in the form of draft amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 and the Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations 2010.

These processes can be followed here:

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[17 April 2025] ICASA has published its findings in its inquiry into a proposed new Licensing Framework for Satellite Services.

ICASA Findings Document Consultation on the proposed new licensing framework for sateliite services

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[15 January 2025] Links to written submissions made in response to ICASA’s Discussion Document:

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[14 August 2024] ICASA has initiated an inquiry into a proposed new Licensing Framework for Satellite Services with the publication of a Discussion Document.

Satellite Licensing Inquiry Discussion Document August 2024 

The deadline for public submissions is 16h00 on 12 November 2024. These can be sent may to Mr. Mandla Mchunu, per email: satlicensing@icasa.org.za.

The objectives of this inquiry are to:

  • Develop a transparent and streamlined regulatory framework with clear rules to establish regulatory certainty for potential satellite operators in South Africa;
  • Outline the procedures for the provision of satellite services in South Africa;
  • Develop procedures for authorising user-terminals, IoT terminals, and earth station user terminals communicating with space station while in motion (ESIM/ESV and ground earth stations in the South African territory;
  • Review spectrum fees, taking also into account the increasing amount of bandwidth used by satellite systems operating in higher frequency bands; and
  • Develop a procedure for registration of international satellite operators (including details of ITU coordination status of the space segment) who intend to provide a service either directly or indirectly (through existing licensed operators) to South African consumers.

The process to be followed:

  • Publication of this Discussion Document + public consultation (likely to include public hearings)
  • Publication of a Findings Document and a set of draft regulations / amendments to the Radio Regulations + public consultation (likely to include public hearings)
  • Publication of final regulations / amendments to the Radio Regulations

This process generally takes 12-18 months.