Pretoria– The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) hosted the SMMEs in ICT Dialogue 2.0 on 03 December 2025 under the theme “Advancing SMME Participation in the Evolving Broadcasting and Postal Services Landscape”

The dialogue served as a platform to reflect on regulatory challenges and opportunities identified during the inaugural 2023 session and to assess progress on ICASA’s regulatory interventions aimed at strengthening and broadening participation by SMMEs and start-ups in facilitating broadband access, especially in underserved areas.

Key highlights from ICASA included regulatory measures implemented since 2023 aimed at lowering the barriers to entry. Regulations on the use of Television White Space Spectrum (TVWS), Framework for Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) and Opportunistic Spectrum Management which is still in development and will allow for shared and flexible spectrum use.

During the dialogue, ICASA presented the amendments to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations to enable access to the lower 6 GHz band, enhancing Wi-Fi performance and reducing deployment costs for SMMEs. Further interventions include the Licensing Framework for Satellite Services to establish a transparent framework that supports investment and participation by emerging market players and Rapid Deployment Regulations to ensure timely access to land for Greenfield infrastructure deployment.

ICASA reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive infrastructure deployment, digital skills development, partnerships with funding institutions, enhanced research and development collaboration with universities and TVET colleges, and regulatory support programs to empower youth, women and persons with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“ICASA remains steadfast in advancing a regulatory environment where SMMEs can thrive. Our work is guided by the realities faced by emerging businesses, start-ups and we are committed to ensuring that no stakeholder is left behind as the sector evolves,” Cllr Catherine Mushi, Convenor of the SMME Dialogue

ICASA encourages stakeholders who wish to provide additional insights to submit written contributions on how ICASA can advance the SMME agenda in the Telecoms, Broadcasting and Postal services landscape by 12 January 2026. Submissions may be sent to Ms Pumela Cokie at PCokie@icasa.org.za

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