The sub-gigahertz frequency bands are crucial for providing better Internet services in rural and underserved areas, as well as better indoor coverage.
As part of the licensing process, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued an information notice indicating its intention, the regulator said in a statement.
The objective of this note is to seek the opinion of interested stakeholders regarding the frequency bands to be taken into account by the regulator, he added.
ICASA auctioned spectrum worth R14.4 billion ($858 million) for the first time earlier this year to help meet growing demand for wireless connectivity as the number of Internet-connected devices is increasing sharply.
The second phase will provide additional capacity to licensees to meet continued demand for mobile service capacity growth, ICASA said. In addition, it will support the deployment of 5G.
ICASA adviser Peter Zimri said the main purpose of the second phase would be to license a lot of spectrum in the 800 MHz band that was not sold at auction, and for the intermediate bands which are currently and immediately available.
($1 = R16.7856)