Vodacom asks Icasa to repurpose Woan spectrum for satellite-to-phone

Vodacom wants South African regulator Icasa to assign the unused Woan spectrum — 2x10 MHz in the 700 MHz band and 30 MHz at 2.6 GHz — to mobile operators for satellite-to-phone services at below terrestrial prices. CTO Dejan Kastelic says the frequencies could deliver 100% coverage in rural areas, working with satellite partner AST SpaceMobile.

• The blocks total 50 MHz: 2x10 MHz at 700 MHz and 30 MHz at 2.6 GHz
• Communications minister Solly Malatsi withdrew the Woan set-aside in September
• Vodacom is working with satellite partner AST SpaceMobile
• Icasa plans its next high-demand spectrum auction in fiscal 2026/2027