Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa announces the publication of an updated National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) 2026 in accordance with section 34 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No 36 of 2005), following its approval by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
"The National Radio Frequency Plan serves as the blueprint for spectrum utilisation in South Africa. It is a critical instrument that promotes efficient spectrum use, minimises harmful interference, enables innovation, supports economic growth, facilitates the deployment of emerging technologies, safeguards public safety communications, and ensures compliance with international spectrum management obligations. Without an effective and up-to-date National Radio Frequency Plan, reliable wireless communications, broadcasting services, and digital connectivity would be significantly compromised”, said the Chairperson of the NRFP Council Committee, Cllr Andrew Matseke
The publication of the final NRFP 2026 follows an extensive and robust public consultation process that commenced on 4 April 2025, when ICASA invited written submissions from stakeholders and members of the public on the first draft of the updated NRFP.
South Africa’s NRFP is reviewed and updated every four years following the World Radiocommunication Conference of the International Telecommunication Union to ensure it aligns with the ensuing Radio Regulations (Edition 2024 in this case). The Radio Regulations are an internationally agreed set of rules that govern how radio frequencies and satellite orbits are shared across the world. The current edition was published by the ITU in August 2024 and then came into force on 1 January 2025.
Accordingly, ICASA is legally required periodically to review and update the National Radio Frequency Plan to ensure alignment with:
-The latest International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations (currently Edition 2024), which govern the global use of radio frequency spectrum;
-The African Telecommunications Union Spectrum Assignment Plan (AfriSAP); and
-The SADC Frequency Allocation Plan.
ICASA extends its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, industry participants, government institutions, spectrum users, and members of the public who contributed to the successful completion of this critically important national undertaking.
The final National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 was approved by the Minister on 2 July 2026 in accordance with section 34(11) of the Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005.
The publication of the NRFP 2026 and the deployment of the Electronic Frequency Information System demonstrate ICASA's continued commitment to ensuring that South Africa's spectrum management framework remains modern, transparent, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of the digital economy.
The gazetted NRFP 2026 can be accessed on this link: National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 — Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
Stakeholders are invited to look out for the upcoming launch of an innovative digital Electronic Frequency Information System portal, which will provide online access to NRFP 2026 and which will be activated in the next few days.
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Media enquiries, contact media@icasa.org.za