South Africa’s recent allocation of the U6 GHz band marks a strategic shift towards mobile-centric connectivity, aiming to enhance 5G deployment and digital infrastructure amidst rising mobile internet dominance.
South Africa has taken a major step in its spectrum policy after ICASA published the National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 on 24 July, formally setting aside the full U6 GHz band, from 6425 MHz to 7125 MHz, for International Mobile Telecommunications. The plan converts 700 MHz of contiguous mid-band spectrum into the mobile framework and gives the sector a clearer regulatory direction after an extended consultation process, with final approval from Communications Minister Solly Malatsi on 2 July.
The decision reflects the realities of how South Africans already connect to the internet. ICASA has pointed to household data showing that mobile devices are the dominant access route, while fixed-line connections remain far less common. Engineering News, citing ICASA’s State of the ICT Sector 2026 report, said more than three-quarters of South Africans used mobile data in 2024, compared with a much smaller share with regular home internet access. That pattern strengthens the case for spectrum policy built around mobile capacity rather than a fixed-network model.
The U6 GHz band is also valuable because it offers a large, continuous block of mid-band frequencies, which are especially important for 5G and later generations of mobile technology. In practical terms, contiguous mid-band spectrum is easier for operators to plan around, with fewer technical constraints than fragmented holdings. That matters in South Africa, where Opensignal data reported by ITWeb showed that even users with 5G-capable handsets still spent most of their connected time on 4G in the first quarter of 2026, underlining the gap between network availability and everyday experience.
For operators, the new framework reduces uncertainty and should make licensing and deployment planning more straightforward. For consumers and businesses, it could improve capacity in crowded areas, support lower-latency services and give the network headroom for data-intensive uses such as streaming, cloud applications and industrial connectivity. The broader significance is strategic: by aligning the U6 GHz band with mobile use, South Africa is positioning itself to match international spectrum trends and to support a more resilient digital economy.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
