THE much-anticipated auctioning of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), also known as the high-demand radio frequency spectrum, is scheduled to start on Tuesday, 8 March.
In a statement released on Monday, 7 March, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) said it was ready for the long-awaited auction.
It is expected that once the spectrum is auctioned, data will be cheaper and more affordable.
The six network operators that are on course to bid for spectrum are MTN, Cell C, Vodacom, Telkom, Rain, and Liquid Telecoms.
According to Tech Central, the spectrum to be licensed is in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 2,6GHz and 3,5GHz bands, frequencies that are suitable for delivering mobile broadband services using 4G/LTE.
Icasa recently hosted a seminar to help familiarise all bidders with the auction process as well as the necessary tools and applications needed to submit bids. We appreciate the way bidders participated in the seminar and the extensive engagement in that regard. This is exemplary of the commitment and positive spirit we all require during this delicate period,” said Icasa chairman Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng.
The auction will kick-off on Tuesday with the Opt-In Auction where eligible bidders may submit bids to achieve a minimum spectrum portfolio.
In the Opt-In Auction, Vodacom and MTN are excluded while Cell C, Liquid Telecoms, Rain Networks and Telkom are considered as eligible bidders.
“The main auction will start on 10 March and will be conducted using an online auction platform. All six qualified bidders will be eligible to bid for spectrum in this stage. Bidding is normally scheduled on business days between 9am and 5pm,” read the statement.
