Global mobile representative body, the GSMA, has welcomed the announcement by the SA government to adopt the harmonised spectrum channel plans referred to as Digital Dividend, saying the country’s example will go a long way in encouraging other African countries to follow suit.
Following the publication of the South African Government’s Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plans, Tom Phillips, chief regulatory officer, GSMA, commented:
“The GSMA congratulates the Government of South Africa on its decision to adopt the harmonised spectrum channel plans for the use of the 700MHz and 800MHz bands, also known as the ‘Digital Dividend’, for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT),” says Tom Phillips, chief regulatory officer of the GSMA.
“Complementing its earlier decision to harmonise the 800MHz band, the alignment of the 700MHz band with the lower portion of the globally harmonised Asia Pacific channel plan will allow South Africa to maximise the benefits of this spectrum for all of its citizens.
“Spectrum harmonisation and the timely release of Digital Dividend spectrum to mobile are critical to meeting African governments’ objectives of offering mobile coverage to all citizens, especially in rural areas,” Phillips adds. “With access to adequate spectrum, the continent’s mobile industry is well placed to help foster digital inclusion and support future economic growth.
“Encouraged by South Africa’s decision, we strongly urge other countries in the region to follow its example,” he says.