South Africa's Independent Communications Authority (ICASA) has officially published the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Roadmap 2026, setting out the country's long-term strategy for planning and assigning radio frequency spectrum for current and future mobile broadband networks. The roadmap will guide spectrum planning over the next five to ten years and replaces the previous IMT Roadmaps issued in 2014 and 2019.

The roadmap aims to meet growing demand for mobile broadband, improve broadband access across South Africa, and prepare the country for future IMT-2030 (6G) technologies while supporting efficient spectrum use and investment in telecom infrastructure.

ICASA explains that additional spectrum will be needed as mobile data usage continues to increase. The roadmap identifies IMT frequency bands ranging from 450 MHz to 71 GHz that could be deployed in South Africa and provides the framework for future Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plans (RFSAPs).

The roadmap also outlines the next implementation stages. Draft RFSAPs for several frequency bands will be developed during 2025–2026, followed by final plans in 2026–2027, implementation from 2027–2028, and wider deployment of IMT systems from 2028 onwards.

With the publication of the IMT Roadmap 2026, ICASA provides a clear direction for future spectrum planning while supporting broadband expansion, improved mobile services, and the introduction of next-generation wireless technologies across South Africa.

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