Spectrum: The Hidden Key to Unlocking the True Potential of "Broadband for All" in South Africa
In a shocking revelation, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced that spectrum is the critical component in achieving the goals of "broadband for all citizens" in South Africa. The regulator’s council has initiated a review of the National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) with a focus on liberalizing spectrum and defining it as a commodity. This move is seen as a major step towards ensuring that spectrum derives value for the public benefit and is prioritized to enable the achievement of the 2030 National Development Plan milestones.
The Tender That Will Change the Game
ICASA is advertising for a consultant to assist with updating and amending the NRFP. The successful bidder will be expected to update and amend the NRFP 2021, inform and consult with stakeholders, and forward the resulting NRFP to the communications and digital technologies minister for approval in line with the Electronic Communications Act. This tender is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for companies to shape the future of South Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
The Top 10 Tenders That Will Keep You Up at Night
- National Health Laboratory Service: The NHLS is looking for a professional service provider for the refresh, upgrade and replacement of the corporate data warehouse environment, as well as professional services for five years.
- National Energy Regulator of South Africa: NERSA wishes to appoint a service provider for the supply, delivery, installation, configuration, maintenance and support of communication network infrastructure for three years.
- State Information Technology Agency: The agency wishes to procure LAN WiFi equipment for the KZN Department of Education for three years.
- Independent Communications Authority of South Africa: ICASA is advertising for a consultant to assist with updating and amending the NRFP.
- Eskom: The utility is calling for the supply and delivery of telecommunication network handheld tester/analysers.
- Eskom: Eskom also requires the digitisation and destruction of Nuclear Operating Unit (NOU) records and the provision of offsite storage facility services for 10 years.
- Companies and Intellectual Property Commission: Proposals are invited for the appointment of a service provider to implement a cloud-based case management solution.
- Department of Employment and Labour: A fraud hotline services provider is sought to provide toll-free hotline services to enable citizens to blow the whistle on fraud and corruption for the Compensation Fund for 36 months.
- National Treasury: The agency is looking for a professional service provider for the implementation of a financial management system for the Department of Employment and Labour.
- Government Communications and Information Systems: GCIS wishes to appoint a service provider for the supply, delivery, installation, configuration, maintenance and support of communication network infrastructure for three years.
The Stakes Are High, But So Are the Rewards
The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. The successful bidders of these tenders will not only reap financial rewards but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of South Africa’s telecommunications landscape. Will you be among the winners?
