Question NW1500 to the Minister of Communications
17 September 2020 - NW1500
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications
What spectrum bands have been allocated to the SA Broadcasting Corporation for broadcasting (a) television, (b) radio and (c) other services such as shortwave transmissions; (2) (a) how much of the assigned spectrum is currently unused and (b) what is the list of the spectrum bands; (3) whether any assigned spectrum is traded and/or leased to third parties; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the list of the bands, (b) who have the bands been assigned to and (c) what are the respective terms and conditions?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:
(1)&(2) The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has assigned Radio Frequency Spectrum to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for the purpose of providing both commercial and public sound and television broadcasting services. The details of the frequencies assigned to the SABC are provided in the table below. The table further outlines the frequencies that are currently being used as well as the number of frequencies unused:
|
Frequency Band |
Broadcasting Service |
Number of Frequencies Assigned |
Number Frequencies Unused |
|
470 -694 MHz |
Terrestrial Television (SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3) |
Digital Terrestrial Television Multiplexer 1 (182 frequencies assigned) – 85% of capacity of Multiplexer 1 |
At least 75% of the useable frequencies in the broadcasting frequency band 470 to 694 MHz is normally unused due to the nature of the planning methodology for Broadcasting Services and is earmarked for the use of Television Whitespaces applications. |
|
NB. 15% allocated to Community Television |
|||
|
87.5 -108 MHz (FM) |
Sound |
792 frequencies (21 stations) |
140 spare frequencies categorised for public sound broadcasting (earmarked for possible coverage expansion). |
|
535.5 - 1606.5 kHz ( MW/AM) |
Sound |
2 frequencies (2 stations) |
43 non categorised frequencies (can be used for public/community/commercial sound broadcasting with coordination with neighbouring and existing broadcasters in the band) |
(3) In terms of the current regulatory regime, spectrum trading is not presently allowed in South Africa. Therefore, no frequency bands are leased to third parties.
MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES