Broadcasters, telcos share channels

By Damaria Senne, ITWeb senior journalist

Johannesburg, 05 Dec 2006

The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) will provide for the sharing of channel 65 and 66 spectrum between broadcasters and non-broadcasting services, such as telecommunications, by spatial separation.

The decision was published in Government Gazette number 29345. It follows recommendations made by a study to determine whether it was technically feasible for broadcasting and non-broadcasting services to share spectrum in channel 65 and 66.

The digital migration working group presented the report to communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri last week.

Previously, channel 65, which falls within the 822MHz to 830MHz spectrum, was assigned to broadcasters.

The study concluded there were sufficient technical conditions for sharing to occur. It examined the recommendations of the criterion of sharing between analogue broadcasting services and fixed and mobile services, as well as compatibility between digital broadcasting and other services.

The regulator also decided that, since sharing channel 65 and 66 by spatial separation was possible, there was no need to conduct further practical tests.

Blow for broadcasters

The decision is a blow for broadcasters such as MNet and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, which previously advised against the sharing of spectrum between analogue broadcasting and non-broadcasting services.

Sentech CEO Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane previously stated that such sharing could result in interference of services, which would in turn result in the degradation of the quality of broadcast services.

"Obviously the broadcasters' views are different from ICASA's view on this subject, and ICASA has not proposed moving broadcasters, but rather sharing by spatial separation," says ICASA's broadcasting spectrum manager Calvo Mawela.

A Business Report article also indicates the study advises against the sharing of spectrum between broadcasting and non-broadcasting services, as it will interfere with the digital switching process.

It recommended the planning for the allocation [of channel 65 and 66] be done after the analogue switch-off, which might be in 2015, as there would be freed-up spectrum.

Good news for USALs

However, the recommendations are good news for the underserviced area licensees (USALs). The first seven USALs were licensed in December 2004 and have since been waiting to be allocated spectrum. The lack of spectrum hindered their ability to fund their operations and set up their own network as allowed for by their licence conditions.

"It was sad that ICASA would grant us such a beautiful licence on the one hand and then fail to award us appropriate spectrum on the other hand," said Kingdom Communications CEO Vusi Ndlovu, when ICASA first announced it would re-examine channel 65 spectrum allocation.

ICASA is also taking another look at its allocation of the 2.5G-3.5G bands, a spectrum that allows for the use of WiMax technology and is in demand among telecoms operators and value-added network service providers.

The regulator has also invited service providers to submit bids for the appointment of a consultant to perform spectrum fees review and assignment. The closing date for bids is 31 July.