ICASA probes alleged illegal use of amateur radio bands in Germiston

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has opened an investigation into alleged unlicensed use of amateur radio frequencies in Germiston after reports of interference affecting licensed users and repeaters across Gauteng.

How the probe unfolded

According to The Citizen, volunteers from SARL HAMNET Gauteng assisted ICASA’s investigation. Operators from SARL HAMNET Gauteng’s Interference Investigation Unit spent several weeks tracking, observing and gathering intelligence after amateur radio operators in the East Rand reported unlawful transmissions on amateur radio repeater frequencies.

The Citizen reports that an ICASA investigating officer led the operation. Following interviews and inspections at several companies in the identified area, investigators identified an entity providing services to a business on the premises.

Allegations and impact

The Citizen states the organisation alleges the entity was operating commercial radio equipment on the amateur radio spectrum between 430MHz and 440MHz without the required authorisation, and that this activity was causing interference to amateur radio repeaters across Gauteng. The identity of the company and entity has not been disclosed, as the matter is reportedly part of an ongoing legal process.

The Citizen also reports that the interference disrupted licensed users and emergency communications.

Enforcement, penalties and community guidance

According to The Citizen, ICASA warned of penalties for unauthorised use of regulated frequencies, including fines and confiscation. Local police and municipalities are assisting with enforcement, the article says.

The Citizen further relays advice to the amateur radio community: operators must hold the appropriate licences and report illegal transmissions. The organisation reminded the public that possession of a radio device does not automatically authorise its use on regulated frequencies.

Regulatory background

The Citizen describes ICASA regulations, including General Notice 1304 of 2022, which prohibited the sale and use of the Baofeng UV-5R pending a determination on its compliance. The notice cited concerns that the device’s continuous tuning capabilities could cause interference and contravene the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015.

The Citizen also states that two-way radios in South Africa must be type-approved, licensed for a specific frequency and programmed by an accredited radio dealer so they operate only on the assigned frequency. Operators are not permitted to scan or transmit across other frequencies, even if a radio is technically capable of doing so.

Authority comment

The Citizen reports that ICASA had not publicly commented on the investigation at the time of publication.