{
  "id": 10424515,
  "title": "Wireless open access network licensing direction withdrawn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/wireless-open-access-network-licensing-direction-withdrawn",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:40:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ITWeb",
    "slug": "itweb",
    "url": "https://www.itweb.co.za/article/wireless-open-access-network-licensing-direction-withdrawn/JBwEr7n3lQwM6Db2"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The South African government has withdrawn its policy direction on a wireless open access network (WOAN), allowing the identified spectrum to be licensed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The WOAN policy, published in 2019, has never been implemented, leaving the spectrum substantially unassigned. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi announced the withdrawal of the requirement that certain high-demand spectrum must first be reserved for a WOAN. The statement emphasizes that unassigned spectrum is a hindrance, as it prevents coverage from being extended, congestion from being relieved, and investment from being made. Mobile operators and wireless service providers have long requested more spectrum to improve their networks and provide better services to customers. The WOAN concept was introduced in 2017 as part of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper to foster competition in the telecoms market and lower data prices. Despite industry skepticism and concerns about the model's success, the spectrum will now be available for licensing by the regulator. The amendment retains the policy objectives for assigning high-demand spectrum, including obligations on licensees and universal access requirements. The draft amendment was published for public comment in March 2022, but the final amendment has now been gazetted, freeing the spectrum for assignment.",
  "summary": "Minister Solly Malatsi formally removes the policy obstacle for licensing a wireless open access network, giving ICASA room to determine how this spectrum should be assigned.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}