The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has launched a public consultation on proposed E-Band Spectrum Licensing Guidelines covering the 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz frequency bands.

The consultation invites feedback from licensed operators, industry stakeholders, and the public on the proposed framework for assigning and managing E-Band spectrum — a key enabler of high-capacity, short-haul wireless links supporting 5G backhaul and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks.

According to ZICTA, the E-Band’s 10 GHz of contiguous bandwidth offers a cost-effective complement to fiber optic links, enabling multi-gigabit data transmission and enhancing national network capacity and resilience.

To promote innovation and investment, ZICTA proposes dividing the band into two segments:

• Coordinated Block (71.125–73.125 GHz / 81.125–83.125 GHz) – reserved for licensed network operators requiring high-availability links; and

• Self-Coordinated Block (73.375–75.875 GHz / 83.375–85.875 GHz) – offering open access for more flexible, lower-cost deployments.

Technical parameters include a maximum EIRP of 55 dBW, transmit power of 30 dBm, and antenna gain of +38 dBi within the 71.125–75.875 GHz / 81.125–85.875 GHz range. All radio equipment must be type approved by ZICTA and comply with relevant national regulations.

This dual approach balances regulatory control and flexibility, promoting innovation while safeguarding network stability in Zambia’s digital infrastructure.

Interested parties are invited to submit comments by Thursday, 23 October 2025. ZICTA stated that this collaborative approach aims to foster a predictable and innovation-friendly regulatory environment to support Zambia’s growing digital infrastructure.

For more details on Zambia ZICTA type approval and regulatory updates, feel free to contact us at info@nanotechsol.com