Spectrum & Telecoms | Regulatory development: 25 SEPTEMBER 2026
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A September 2026 policy amendment removes a long-standing reservation of high-demand spectrum, creating new possibilities for future network investment.
South Africa has taken an important step in its telecommunications spectrum policy.
On 25 September 2026, the government finalised amendments to the high-demand spectrum policy that removed the reservation of frequencies for the proposed Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN).
The decision makes previously reserved spectrum available for consideration in ICASA’s future licensing and assignment processes.
For mobile network operators and telecommunications investors, the change is significant because access to suitable spectrum directly affects the capacity, coverage and economics of wireless networks.
REGULATORY FOCUS
WOAN spectrum reservation withdrawn
IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Policy change; not an immediate spectrum award
What was the WOAN?
The Wireless Open Access Network was conceived as a wholesale telecommunications network that would provide capacity to other service providers.
Its policy objective was to promote competition and expand access to mobile broadband infrastructure.
However, the reservation of spectrum for the proposed network also meant that certain frequencies could not be made available through other assignment processes while the reservation remained in place.
The September policy amendment changes that position.
A background explanation of the policy and its development is available through Ellipsis’s WOAN regulatory resource.
What does the policy change actually do?
The amendment removes the reservation of high-demand spectrum previously associated with the WOAN.
Frequencies affected by the earlier reservation include portions of the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands.
These bands have different technical characteristics.
Lower-frequency spectrum can be particularly valuable for broad geographical coverage and indoor connectivity. Higher-frequency mobile bands can provide additional capacity in areas with substantial demand.
Making the reserved spectrum available for future assignment gives ICASA greater flexibility in planning the next stages of network development.
However, availability for assignment is not the same as an immediate licence award.
Operators cannot assume that previously reserved frequencies are now free for unrestricted commercial use.
Why does it matter for South African businesses?
Spectrum availability has direct implications for network investment.
Where operators can access suitable frequencies, they may be better positioned to plan coverage improvements, capacity expansion and new services.
This can affect the broader connectivity ecosystem, including:
- Mobile broadband operators.
- Wireless internet service providers.
- Telecommunications infrastructure businesses.
- Network equipment suppliers.
- Businesses deploying connected devices and industrial communication systems.
The commercial opportunities will depend on the eventual assignment conditions, competition requirements and licensing framework.
What should network operators monitor?
The next important development is how ICASA incorporates the relevant frequencies into its spectrum planning and assignment processes.
Operators should pay attention to future invitations to apply, technical conditions, licence obligations and any proposed geographic or competitive restrictions.
Equipment suppliers should also follow applicable frequency arrangements when planning which radio products and network technologies to introduce into the South African market.
The National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 provides important context for understanding the national framework governing frequency allocations.
A broader shift in spectrum policy
The withdrawal of the WOAN reservation does not remove the government’s interest in wider network access and competition.
Instead, it changes one of the mechanisms previously intended to achieve those objectives.
The success of the change will ultimately depend on whether subsequent spectrum assignments translate into investment, usable network capacity and better connectivity.
Official and industry references
South African Government — Government Publications
Ellipsis — Wireless Open Access Network Policy and Related Documents
Need regulatory guidance? Evaluating spectrum requirements for a network deployment? All Tech Compliance can help assess the authorisations your project may need. Contact our team.
