Spectrum: Telcos erecting next generation 5G networks

• Published date: 19 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the release of high demand spectrum has paved the way for telcos, or telecommunications companies, to start building next generation 5G networks.

Ntshavheni said this when she tabled the department's budget vote during a mini-plenary of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

'The release of the high demand spectrum will improve the ability of mobile telecommunications operators to build robust telecommunications with better penetration and reach as we chase our goal of ensuring that all South Africans have access to the internet by 2024.

'To this end, the mobile telecommunications operators are starting to upgrade the telecommunications network and to build robust 5G telecommunication networks,' she said.

Ntshavheni said in the immediate, ICASA has installed social obligations that will see the telecommunications operators connecting 18 520 schools, 5 731 clinics and hospitals, 8 241 traditional authority offices, 949 libraries and Thusong Service Centres over the next 36 months.

'The department, working with ICASA, will monitor the progress with regards to the connection of these sites.'

This comes after ICASA concluded the high frequency communication spectrum auction in March 2022 as per the target set by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.

'I congratulate ICASA on reaching this significant milestone in our...