WAPA Member Newsletter
A Message from WAPA
May 2026 has been nothing short of historic for South Africa's wireless industry.
ICASA has gazetted the final Innovation Spectrum Regulations — a landmark we have championed for over a decade.
Our 20th anniversary regional events are gaining momentum, and our engagement with government continues at the highest levels.
Thank you for your continued membership and support.
Why WISPs Continue to Renew Their WAPA Membership
Read the details about value delivery, infrastructure resilience, and collaborative policy advocacy that keeps independent WISPs committed to WAPA.
WAPA 20 Years Regional Event Series
Celebrating two decades of wireless innovation across South Africa
Kicking off 20 years: Irene Regional Event Recap
19 March 2026 — Irene Country Lodge, Centurion, Gauteng
WAPA launched its 20th anniversary regional event series with a memorable gathering at the iconic Irene Country Lodge in Centurion. The event brought together wireless industry leaders, regulators, and technology innovators for a day of substantive discussion on the future of wireless connectivity in South Africa.
Distinguished Guest Speakers
Three respected industry leaders shared their perspectives on spectrum policy, dynamic licensing, and the future of wireless connectivity in South Africa.
Read Speaker Insights
Councillor Thabiso Faye | ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa)
ICASA Councillor Thabiso Faye delivered a landmark address confirming that ICASA's formal regulatory process for designating dynamic spectrum licensing in the lower 6GHz and N77 5G bands was at an advanced stage. Councillor Faye's address offered members a direct line of sight into the regulator's thinking, underscoring ICASA's commitment to enabling innovation while managing coexistence between services. His participation represented a significant show of engagement between the regulator and the WISP community.
Professor Luzango Mfupe | CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)
Professor Luzango Mfupe of the CSIR provided a deep-dive into the technical architecture underpinning dynamic spectrum sharing — specifically the Universal Spectrum Switch (USS) database system that will manage coexistence in the new shared bands. The CSIR is widely regarded as the likely operator of the USS, making Professor Mfupe's presentation especially pertinent for WAPA members seeking to understand how dynamic licensing will work in practice. His presentation demystified the coexistence simulation studies and field experiments — including work conducted in Durban — that informed the final regulations.
Peter Zimri | Regulatory Specialist
Regulatory specialist Peter Zimri provided invaluable context on the broader spectrum policy landscape, covering the intersection of South Africa's ICT Sector Code, equity-equivalent investment programmes, and the practical implications for smaller WISPs navigating the regulatory environment. His perspective bridged the gap between high-level policy and on-the-ground operator realities.
Satellite Is No Longer Plan B
The Irene event also featured vibrant networking sessions, member awards, and a panel discussion on the rapid rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services. Rather than viewing providers such as Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon Leo as competitors, speakers urged WISPs to embrace satellite as an additional technology in their portfolios, noting that established WISPs hold unique advantages in local customer relationships and technical expertise in WiFi and distribution of the connectivity. The satellite providers get the connectivity to the door, The SMME Wisp’s do the rest. This was reflected in a conversation and article from Paul Colmer and Dr Dawie de Wet.
Paul Colmer
WAPA Exco Member
Dr Dawie de Wet
CEO, Q-KON Group
Industry Leadership
Paul Colmer at ISPA iWeek / ZANOG
Sustainable digital growth depends on open access, collaborative policy, and enabling smaller providers to thrive.
Read Paul’s Key Insights
Paul Comer presented at the ISPA iWeek / ZANOG conference in Irene on WAPA and Dynamic Spectrum Allocation. Paul delivered a thought-provoking session on dynamic spectrum and the future of wireless connectivity.
As one of South Africa’s most influential voices in wireless networking and spectrum policy, Paul unpacked:
- The current landscape of the fixed wireless access market
- Key regulatory developments affecting wireless ISPs
- WAPA’s priorities for the year ahead
- The evolution of spectrum policy and the case for dynamic sharing
- The role of infrastructure sharing in scaling access
- Practical strategies for extending broadband into underserved communities
Paul continues to be a leading voice in the WISP and spectrum policy space, with a proven track record across initiatives such as TV White Space deployment and advocacy for unlicensed 6GHz and 5G n77 band spectrum.
His message cuts through the noise: sustainable digital growth depends on open access, collaborative policy, and enabling smaller providers to thrive.
As demand for connectivity accelerates, these aren’t just industry conversations—they’re the blueprint for South Africa’s digital future.
WAPA’s 20th Anniversary Regional Event Series – Second Stop: White River, Mpumalanga
On 7 May 2026, WAPA’s 20th Anniversary Regional Event Series continued its journey across South Africa with a successful second stop at The Winkler in White River, Mpumalanga.
View Event Highlights
WAPA’s second 20th Anniversary Regional Event brought together wireless industry leaders, regulators, network operators, and technology innovators in White River, Mpumalanga for a day of insightful discussion and industry collaboration.
Against the backdrop of the Lowveld, attendees explored the opportunities and challenges shaping South Africa’s wireless future, while strengthening relationships and sharing ideas that will help drive connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
As WAPA celebrates two decades of wireless advocacy, the regional event series continues to unite the industry around the conversations that matter most.
Regulatory & Spectrum Updates
Landmark Regulatory Win: ICASA Publishes Final Innovation Spectrum Regulations
Gazetted: 22 May 2026 — A Historic Moment for South Africa's Wireless Industry
ICASA has formally gazetted the final regulations on the use of 'Innovation Spectrum' — resolving one of the most contested questions in South African spectrum policy and delivering a landmark victory that WAPA has championed for over a decade.
Key Regulatory Outcomes
Lower 6GHz Band (5.925–6.425 GHz)
Designated licence-exempt and available to WISPs, Wi-Fi deployments, private networks, and community operators on a shared basis — not auctioned to mobile network operators.
3.8–4.2 GHz Band (N77)
Opened on a licensed but discounted basis, expected to power standalone 5G applications including private networks for mining, manufacturing, campuses, and WISP backhaul.
900 MHz Allocated
Together these bands unlock approximately 900 MHz of new spectrum — a transformational allocation for the fixed wireless industry.
14-Month Consultation
A 14-month consultation process that began with draft regulations in March 2025, including public meetings, coexistence simulation studies, and field trials in Durban, culminated in these final regulations.
A landmark regulatory achievement for South Africa’s wireless sector.
These regulations are the culmination of nearly two years of consultation, technical studies, coexistence testing, and industry engagement on the Lower 6GHz and N77 bands. They also build on more than 14 years of dynamic spectrum innovation, dating back to South Africa’s first TV White Space trials in Cape Town.
Paul Colmer
WAPA Exco Member
International Recognition for a Landmark Spectrum Win
WAPA’s advocacy continues to earn attention beyond South Africa’s borders.
The significance of this development has been recognised internationally, with WAPA invited to attend the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Global Summit in London in October 2026.
View Global Summit DetailsRegulations Not Yet in Force
Section 24 of the regulations states they 'shall come into effect at a date to be determined by the Authority by notice in a Government Gazette.' WAPA will keep members informed as implementation timelines are confirmed. Members should not yet make irreversible infrastructure investments predicated on the new bands being immediately operational.
Government Engagement
WAPA Meets Minister Solly Malatsi
WAPA Exco member Paul Colmer held a strategic engagement with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, as part of WAPA's ongoing high-level policy advocacy. The meeting covered the wireless industry's priorities in the context of South Africa's digital economy ambitions, with particular focus on spectrum policy, rural connectivity, and the role of independent WISPs in delivering affordable broadband to underserved communities.
WAPA remains committed to constructive engagement with government and will continue to advocate for a regulatory environment that enables the wireless industry to invest, grow, and connect the unconnected.
Explore WAPA’s Regulatory AdvocacyDynamic Spectrum Field Trials
South Africa’s Dynamic Spectrum Breakthrough
The digital divide in South Africa may have just found its most credible solution yet.
Recent field trials in KwaZulu-Natal successfully demonstrated how dynamic spectrum sharing can bring affordable, high-speed connectivity to underserved communities. What was once a regulatory ambition is now a proven reality.
For WISPs, communities, and the broader wireless sector, the implications could be transformative.
Read MoreIndustry Insights
Strategic perspective cards on emerging connectivity layers in South Africa
LEO Satellite: WAPA’s Position
The rapid growth of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services is reshaping South Africa’s connectivity landscape. While regulatory discussions continue, WAPA’s position is that LEO and fixed wireless technologies are complementary solutions that can work together to expand broadband access. For WISPs, satellite presents new opportunities to extend coverage, strengthen backhaul, and reach underserved communities.
Explore WAPA’s Position on LEO
The rapid growth of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity — led by SpaceX's Starlink — OneWeb and Amazon LEO continues to generate both opportunity and complexity for WAPA members. SpaceX has committed R2.5-billion in local investment, including R500-million to connect 5,000 schools with free internet and equipment. ICASA has officially rejected a ministerial policy directive from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), stating that it cannot alter local ownership rules without Parliament first amending the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) of 2005.
WAPA's Paul Colmer has expressed scepticism about widely reported figures of 14,000 alleged illegal Starlink users operating via foreign roaming. WAPA members continue to assist authorities by reporting any illegal equipment they encounter in the field.
The dominant message from the Irene event and WAPA's broader engagement is that LEO satellite and fixed wireless are complementary, not competitive technologies. WISPs are encouraged to explore satellite integration as a backhaul solution and service layer extension rather than viewing LEO’s purely as a threat.
Upper 6GHz Band: The Next Frontier
Securing the lower 6GHz band was a major victory for the wireless industry, but the fight is far from over. The upper 6GHz band represents a further 700 MHz of valuable spectrum that could significantly expand wireless capacity, support future growth, and improve broadband access across South Africa. WAPA is calling on industry stakeholders to unite behind a common position as discussions progress through ICASA and international regulatory forums.
Learn Why the Upper 6GHz Band Matters
UPPER 6GHZ BAND: THE NEXT FRONTIER
With the lower 6GHz band now secured through the Innovation Spectrum Regulations, WAPA is already mobilising the industry around the upper 6GHz band — a further 700 MHz of spectrum (6.425–7.125 GHz) currently contested globally between International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) cellular operators and fixed wireless providers.
WAPA is calling on all wireless industry stakeholders — WISPs, vendors, satellite operators, and investors — to join and support its advocacy. Winning the upper 6GHz band would be transformative for both commercial operators and the millions of South Africans in underserved communities still without affordable internet access. A unified industry voice will be essential in the upcoming ITU and ICASA processes.
AI Policy Update
AI National Policy Reset Underway
South Africa’s Draft National AI Policy has been withdrawn following concerns over AI-generated inaccuracies, prompting a full policy reset. A new expert-led process is now underway, with WAPA set to participate in consultations to ensure the interests of the wireless connectivity sector are represented. ICASA has also released its latest State of the ICT Sector Report, providing valuable insights into the country’s digital landscape.
Upcoming Regional Events
20th Anniversary event schedule for WAPA members and connectivity partners
Dynamic spectrum, private 5G, LEO networks, member awards, and networking sessions.
Dynamic spectrum sharing architectures, private 5G deployments, LEO satellite networks, and regional WISP awards.
Dynamic spectrum coordination, private 5G setups, LEO backhaul models, and interactive member awards networking.
Dynamic spectrum updates, private 5G licensing options, LEO sat integration, and member achievements awards.
20th Anniversary year-end celebration! WAPA gala awards ceremony, spectrum Win toasts, and networking wine tasting.
Why Join WAPA
Unlocking leading wireless advocacy, collective voice, and membership benefits
Joining the Wireless Access Providers Association (WAPA) connects you with South Africa’s leading wireless industry experts. It provides crucial regulatory support, access to specialized business and technical training, and a collective voice to advocate for favorable spectrum management and policy changes.
Connectivity Requests
Wapa sends out connectivity requests to all licensed members nationally. With the volume of leads issued, you have a better than 1 in 3 chance of getting a new lead monthly. Just one client sale covers your membership fees forever!
Regulatory & Legal Support
Access expert legal and regulatory advice to navigate complex compliance parameters, ICASA licensing requirements, and wireless spectrum constraints.
Members Portal
Gain access to the WAPA Member Portal containing training material, templates, legal documents, contracts, engineering guides, and a vendor marketplace.
Industry Advocacy
WAPA lobbies on your behalf for progressive spectrum allocation (such as TVWS, n77 5G SA, and contested 6GHz bands) to secure sustainable future models.
Business & Training
Employees can utilize WAPA’s free online technical training and developmental programs to sharpen on-the-ground engineering and commercial skills.
Networking & OEM Perks
Gain institutional credibility, attend active community-driven events/forums, and access exclusive partner discount agreements or OEM offers.
Interference Mitigation
Benefit from a collaborative community network environment that minimizes radio interference conflicts and enforces an active Code of Conduct.
Become a WAPA Member
Join South Africa’s leading wireless industry community and grow your network connectivity business.
Apply for Membership