ICASA has made the very affordable PtP spectrum (E-Band) available on a self-registration basis.

Below is a guideline and procedure for radio spectrum application in the E-Band

What is E-Band?

E-Band is the pairing of 71-76GHz with 81-86GHz; ICASA has split this into two blocks:

• Block A: 2.5GHz paired of light-licensed spectrum (73.5GHz-75.75GHz & 83.5GHz-85.75GHz)
• Block B: 2GHz paired of licensed spectrum (71.25GHz-73GHz & 81.25GHz-83GHz)

What is it used for?

E-Band is used for high-capacity, narrow beamwidth PtP links

Who can apply for links in the E-Band?

• Holders of ECNS licenses valid for the area in which both points of a link is to be deployed
• Holders of ECNS license exemptions such as private electronic communications networks

How do I apply for it?

• Links in the licensed portion-Block B-are applied for in the normal way using the standard application procedure.
• Links in the light-licensed portion-Block A-are registered on a first-come-first-served basis using the self-registration process set out below.

What are the annual fees?

• The annual radio frequency spectrum fee for using E-Band spectrum is levied as the Minimum Fee per annum per link per hop based on 2x250MHz channel or multiples thereof. The Minimum Fee from 1 April 2018-31 March 2019 is R 141.00.
• For example: a 500MHz link will have an annual fee of R282.00 (R 141.00 x two channels)
• Fees are charged pro-rata based on the date of registration (Block B) or license issue date (Block A).

Note that the minimum fees are revised on an annual basis and are published as an amendment to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees Regulations. See http://www.ellipsis.co.za/radio-frequency-spectrum-fees/ for current figures.

Self-registering links in Block A

• The person wanting to deploy the link-the registrant-must notify ICASA of the geographic location and technical details of the radio communication link (or links) within 30 days of the deployment of the installation.
• The registrant must perform necessary technical assessments against ICASA’s database of already registered links.
• Equipment must be type-approved and must be registered on the database.
• A link may not be deployed until it has been established that it will not cause harmful interference to the links already registered in the database.
• Completed registration forms must be e-mailed to ebandregistrations@icasa.org.za
• Registered links must be paid for when ICASA sends an invoice

Applying for licensed links in Block B

• Equipment must be type-approved and must be registered on the database.
• An application form must be completed and submitted as per the standard application procedure.
• Payment of a non-refundable spectrum application fee of R 830.00 must be made.
• The license will be issued where applicable.
• Payment of the annual licence fee must be made.
• Operation will then commence.

Note: The date and time on the registration e-mail will be used to establish the order of priority in terms of resolving interference disputes between licenses. As this spectrum is available on a first-come-first-served basis, the first valid registration received will be regarded as a pre-registered link and the second on will not be registered.

Block A Application Process flow

The following are the steps in the process of link registration for the “self-coordination framework”

under Block A of the E-Band.

Block B Application Process flow

The following are the steps in the process of link registration for the standard application procedure

under Block B of the E band