The Department of Communications (DoC) in partnership with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) would conduct a radio frequency spectrum audit to “ensure effective use of scarce resources, covering all bands contained in the national frequency plan”, Minister Roy Padayachie said in his Budget vote on Tuesday.

Addressing members of Parliament, he stated that licensed entities unable to account for their use of the allocated radio frequency spectrum might have to forfeit their rights in terms of the law. “We are prepared to amend the law to ensure efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum,” he reiterated.

The audit has long been called for by private sector industry players which felt that spectrum was unfairly allocated to entities, which were not making proper use of it.

He said that the department intended issuing a policy directive to Icasa to conduct a review of the ‘digital dividend’, which is the spectrum around the 800 Mhz band, which would be freed up by the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting by 2013.

The digital dividend would result in the licensing of further communications services such as mobile television (TV), high-definition TV, public emergency services and additional standard definition TV.

In terms of the radio frequency spectrum licensing, the new radio frequency spectrum policy trajectory would consider allocating parts of the high demand radio frequency spectrum towards accelerating development of rural connectivity.

“We will also ensure that our licensing framework balances the needs of the big and smaller entities,” said Padayachie.

Efficient use of scarce radio frequency spectrum would allow for provision of more communications services for South Africans.

Padayachie said that spectrum was a strategic natural scarce resource at the country’s disposal, which could be used to effect changes in the provision of electronic communications service at a faster rate.