South Africa’s “Second Draft National Radio Frequency Plan 2025” (NRFP-25) is ICASA’s proposal to update the 2021 Plan and submit it for public consultation, incorporating the latest international and regional regulations.

The official notice explains that, following a first round of comments on the draft published in April 2025, the Authority is publishing this second draft for further written comments until December 11, 2025.

NRFP-25 falls under the legal mandate of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) 2005, which assigns ICASA the planning, administration, and control of the spectrum and requires the Minister to approve an updated national plan when necessary.

WHOM DOES IT IMPACT?

The direct impact is felt by the Regulatory Authority, mobile operators and wireless broadband providers, broadcasters and actors in the audiovisual ecosystem, manufacturers, integrators, and the end user.

CONCLUSION:

NRFP-25 is high-impact because it reorganizes the official spectrum map for the country's next technological stage, defining what can be deployed, where, and with what protection, immediately influencing the regulator, operators, broadcasters, and strategic scientific services.