The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) recently released a "Reasons Document on Spectrum Licensing Framework Regulations and Invitation To Apply for 2.6GHz and 3.5 GHz Bands". It explains, how it will grant radio frequency spectrum licences in 2.6 GHz band.

2.6 GHz spectrum, which has been identified globally by the ITU as the ‘3G extension band’, is vital in satisfying the demand for greater capacity for Mobile Broadband and launching next-generation networks such as LTE.

Bidding will start at R750,000 for 2.6 GHz spectrum, and the highest bidders will receive spectrum after this process is complete, reports mybroadband.co.za. ICASA further requires 2.6 GHz licensees to achieve a population coverage of 50% within two years of being granted spectrum.

Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Neotel and Telkom are all keen to get their hands on 2.6 GHz spectrum, reports mybroadband.co.za.

According to GSMA licensing of the 2.6 GHz band will be critical to unlocking the benefits of global scale economies in the Mobile Broadband market and earlier this year GSMA had reported that South Africa was planning to award 2.6 GHz frequencies within the next two years.