EAST LONDON, 22-31 JULY 2013

Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Stella Ndebeni Abrahams, welcomed the 248 delegates from around the world who have gathered at the East London International Convention Centre to seek solutions for the allocation of spectrum between broadcasting and mobile telephony.

The Joint Task Group meeting is organised by the Radiocommunications sector of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. It is responsible for allocating global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, developing the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and it strives to improve access to ICTs for underserved communities worldwide. The Joint Task Group is studying the options for new allocations of radio spectrum whilst ensuring that there is no interference between different spectrum application services, between countries and Regions. 

The Deputy Minister told delegates: “I know this process requires detailed and complex analysis, and the outcomes of your work will become the subject of negotiation and consensus building on a global scale. But the task that you are engaging in over the next two weeks is critical for South Africa and many countries in Africa with respect to our commitment to provide universal broadband access for all our citizens. Your work will contribute to the development of our countries and regions, and humankind.”

Part of the benefit of the migration to digital broadcasting is the freeing up of additional spectrum, which enables the broadcast of more TV channels, as well as better quality high definition broadcasting. It has also created the possibility providing new spectrum to extend access to mobile broadband communications, and increasing the provision of mobile broad broadband applications, especially for remote and underserviced communities. Providing new spectrum for mobile use is the primary focus of the JTG meeting.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the value of providing extra spectrum for mobile use, stating that “Mobile phones have been responsible for the rapid growth in the use of ICTs in Africa. They have demonstrated the means to empower our citizens to improve their lives and contribute to our development, and offer many potential benefits in terms of delivery of services”. These services can include access to email and internet services, transaction facilities including mobile banking, health services, payment of municipal services, information services to assist small businesses, and education services.