Page 3 - EngineerIT January 2022

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

A new year, many promises, but still

no broadband spectrum!

The story about broadband spectrum is becoming like Another industry embarrassment is the shortage
radio dramas on the old Springbok radio. For the younger of electronic devices on the world market that
generation’s benefit, I’ll explain that they went on forever, negatively impacts on just about every industry.
following the same trend and storyline. I have written so We all know about Covid-19, but one would
many editorials on this subject, and hopefully this year have thought that other past upheavals, like the
we will get spectrum to empower South Africans with real economic crash of a few years back, would have
mobile broadband. I feel like a 78 rpm record with the taught industry that after an upheaval, economies
needle playing on both sides. bounce back at a far greater level and rate, such
that one cannot sit back and wait for the upturn.
If you are wondering what I am talking about this time,
it is about Telkom taking ICASA to court to set aside the One bit of good news is that ICASA and SABS
Invitation To Apply (ITA) for IMT spectrum issued by ICASA have finally sorted out the accreditation of test
on 10 December 2021. The ITA is the tendering process to laboratories. In a recent Government Gazette,
allocate spectrum in the high demand mobile frequency ICASA published new rules that all electronics that
bands. Telkom is arguing that the process will benefit its do not have radio frequency modules must have
competition more. But why should Telkom be concerned valid electromagnetic compatibility certificates
about the impact its court application has on other recognised by the South African Bureau of
players? From its historical past, it has more spectrum Standards (SABS).
available than anyone else.
This comes after the SABS and ICASA were met
Dare I write that I am optimistic that the much sought- with criticism when they tried to implement a new
after spectrum will become available this year. Unlike the compliance regime in 2017. Among the concerns
umpteen previous ministers, I have lost count. The current was that only compliance certificates from test
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, laboratories authorised and integrated into the
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has taken a strong stand . She SABS Authorised Laboratory Programme would
is livid with Telkom for not affording her the opportunity be recognised. ICASA and the SABS have now
to resolve whatever concerns Telkom may have with changed their approach, recognising internationally
the current ITA. She reiterated that the conclusion of a accredited labs.
process to release the IMT spectrum by 31 March 2022 is
important for the country so that it can reap the benefits OK, so we now have new gazetted rules, but rules
of the digital dividend in the country’s quest for post are only as good as compliance, and this has not
COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery, job creation and been South Africa’s strong point. However with a
transforming SA into a digital economy. The Minister is new year, I guess we can make resolutions. Let’s
taking legal advice and will respond accordingly to Telkom’s wait and see if ICASA finds a way to enforce the
court application. In the meantime, the Minister will new regulations.
engage Telkom and all relevant parties with the aim of
reaching an out-of-court settlement and avoiding further Enjoy reading this edition of EngineerIT and drop me
delays in the release of spectrum. an email with your comments.

Let’s hope the Minister has the clout to put Telkom in its Hans van de Groenendaal
place and save the president the embarrassment of having 012 991 4662
to make another statement in his up-and-coming State of 082 781 4631
the Nation address. hansv@nowmedia.co.za

EngineerIT | January 2022 | 1