The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published an updated National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) 2026, following approval from the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies on 2 July 2026. Issued under section 34 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005, the NRFP serves as the blueprint for spectrum utilisation across South Africa. The update follows an extensive public consultation process that began on 4 April 2025, when ICASA first invited stakeholder submissions on the draft plan. For spectrum users, broadcasters, and telecom operators, the revised NRFP sets the framework that will govern spectrum access and licensing decisions going forward.
What the National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 Covers
The NRFP is a critical instrument that promotes efficient spectrum use, minimises harmful interference, enables innovation, supports economic growth, facilitates the deployment of emerging technologies, safeguards public safety communications, and ensures compliance with international spectrum management obligations. According to Cllr Andrew Matseke, Chairperson of the NRFP Council Committee, an effective and up to date plan is essential to reliable wireless communications, broadcasting services, and digital connectivity in South Africa.
Why ICASA Updated the NRFP
South Africa’s NRFP is reviewed and updated every four years following each World Radiocommunication Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to ensure it stays aligned with the resulting Radio Regulations. The current Radio Regulations, Edition 2024, were published by the ITU in August 2024 and came into force on 1 January 2025. As a result, ICASA is legally required to periodically review and update the NRFP to keep pace with these international obligations.
Alignment with ITU, AfriSAP, and SADC Spectrum Rules
The updated NRFP 2026 ensures South Africa’s spectrum framework aligns with three key sets of international and regional rules: the latest ITU Radio Regulations, currently Edition 2024, which govern the global use of radio frequency spectrum, the African Telecommunications Union Spectrum Assignment Plan (AfriSAP), and the SADC Frequency Allocation Plan. This alignment helps ensure South Africa’s spectrum management remains interoperable with its regional and international partners.
Public Consultation and Ministerial Approval
The final NRFP 2026 followed a robust public consultation process, beginning on 4 April 2025 when ICASA invited written submissions from stakeholders and members of the public on the first draft. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies approved the final plan on 2 July 2026, in accordance with section 34(11) of the Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005. ICASA has thanked the stakeholders, industry participants, government institutions, spectrum users, and members of the public who contributed to the process.
What This Means for Spectrum Users and Industry
The gazetted NRFP 2026 is now available through ICASA’s website, giving spectrum users, broadcasters, and telecom operators a clear reference for spectrum planning and compliance. ICASA also plans to launch a new Electronic Frequency Information System portal in the coming days, providing online access to the NRFP 2026. Together, these updates reflect ICASA’s ongoing commitment to a spectrum management framework that is modern, transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of South Africa’s digital economy.
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Quick Country Facts
South Africa
Certification Body: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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