ICASA has published proposed amendments to South Africa’s satellite spectrum fee framework.
The proposed changes clarify that:
- Gateway Earth Station and User-Terminal Network licences will remain radio frequency spectrum licences;
- spectrum fees for Gateway Earth Stations will now take frequency band usage into account; and
- the framework will expand beyond traditional VSAT networks to include broader satellite terminal networks and ESIM terminals.
These developments will likely have important commercial and licensing implications. As such ICASA has invited representations on the Draft Regulations by no later than 16:00 on 29 June 2026.