11th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference

We are now almost 2 years on from WRC-23, and countries across Sub-Saharan Africa are well into the crucial phase of translating international decisions into national policy and regulatory action. From key decisions around the upper 6GHz and 600MHz bands to broader questions around licensing frameworks and spectrum availability, this session will look at the work that has started at both a national and regional level to implement the decisions that were made. It will examine the positions that are emerging at a national and regional level, at the progress that is being seen. The discussion will also focus on the flexibility afforded by footnotes in key decisions, and how this can be used to support diverse national priorities while maintaining a coherent regional approach. With a complex mix of development goals, technological imperatives, and regulatory challenges, what are the next steps facing African policymakers, regulators, and industry players post WRC-23?

• What concrete steps have been taken by national administrations in Sub-Saharan Africa to begin implementing WRC-23 outcomes?
• How is the ATU supporting regional coordination and facilitating a harmonised approach to WRC-23 implementation across its member states?
• Which WRC-23 agenda items or band decisions have seen the most immediate attention or uptake in the region, and why?
• What decisions were made in key bands such as the upper 6GHz and the 600MHz band, and how does the approach in Africa differ to those in other regions around the world?
• What specific progress has been seen in these key bands in the 2 years since WRC-23, and what is the best way forward to ensure that the economic value of these key frequencies is maximised?
• To what extent do the footnotes introduced at WRC-23 offer genuine flexibility for national implementation, and how should administrations approach them in practice? Should a single approach apply across Africa or is there scope to identify a framework that allows flexibility for countries to take account of their national priorities?
• What challenges are countries facing in transposing WRC-23 decisions into national regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding spectrum availability and licensing?
• How is the region balancing its development goals with the demands of international harmonisation, especially in relation to 5G, satellite, and broadcasting services?

The 3.8-4.2 GHz C-band continues to be a critical resource in Sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly serving fixed satellite services (FSS). However, the spectrum landscape is rapidly evolving, and as demand for spectrum grows around the world – particularly for mobile broadband, enterprise networks, and emerging digital services – this band is increasingly under consideration for shared or alternative use. However, any shift must carefully balance innovation with the continued reliability of the satellite services that remain vital to many regions. This panel will explore where the short term and longer-term future of the band may lie in Africa, and the extent to which there may be an option to look at introducing new uses whilst safeguarding incumbent operations. It will explore the regulatory, technical, and market dynamics shaping the future of the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band, and at the extent to which a balance can be struck that accommodates both traditional and emerging technologies.

• What is the current use of the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band across Sub-Saharan Africa, and what services are currently most reliant on it?
• To what extent could there be an option to introduce new users, such as IMT or private networks, while maintaining and protecting essential satellite services? What regulatory measures could be an option to deliver this whilst protecting service providers from interference?
• To what extent could a Dynamic Spectrum Access approach, such as the one proposed by ICASA in South Africa, provide a solution to enhance spectrum utilization and market entry for new players? How could potential interference with existing FSS operations be avoided in this situation?
• What are the technical implications of introducing mobile broadband at different power levels in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band, particularly regarding coexistence with existing satellite services?
• What lessons can be learned from the experiences in Europe, where power limits have been used to enable the band to provide vertical connectivity and local networks? 
• How can regional harmonization of this band be ensured with regard to possible future use, and what role can bodies like the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) play?

Alongside the Upper 6GHz and 3.8GHz-4.2GHz spectrum bands discussed in the last 2 sessions, there are a number of other mid-band frequencies that are also considered as options to deliver the required growth capacity for mobile broadband, particularly the 2.3-2.4 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 4.8-4.99 GHz. These bands offer a valuable combination of coverage and capacity, enabling efficient deployment of high-speed mobile broadband and emerging digital services. Yet, their release and effective use remain uneven across the continent, shaped by regulatory readiness, market demand, and investment dynamics. This panel will explore the current status of these bands in Africa, assess their potential to support digital transformation, and identify what’s needed to accelerate their availability for operators, governments, and citizens alike.

• What is the current status of the 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 4.8 GHz bands in African markets, and how do they compare in terms of availability and regulatory progress?
• Why are these mid-band frequencies considered essential for the rollout of 5G and advanced broadband services, particularly in developing regions?
• What are the key challenges and bottlenecks national regulators face in releasing these bands for commercial use?
• How can policymakers balance the need for spectrum revenue with affordability and widespread access for network operators?
• What are the regional variations in the assignment and use of these bands, and what work is being conducted to deliver regional coordination and harmonization? To what extent can this help to speed up spectrum availability?
• What challenges are faced in the refarming, clearing, or repurposing of these bands in countries where legacy users remain active?
• How can access for mobile operators be balanced with the needs of other users, including critical communications and fixed wireless services? What coexistence strategies and technical safeguards are needed to ensure interference-free operation in these increasingly congested mid-band environments?
• From a stakeholder perspective, what practical steps are needed from industry, regulators, and civil society to ensure these bands are efficiently utilized and deliver socio-economic benefits?

During each of the previous editions of this conference, a session has been held to discuss the progress, challenges, and opportunities as Sub-Saharan Africa plans for the implementation of 5G. This session will be a continuation of this. An increasing number of countries have now moved from planning to implementation, and are rolling out 5G networks, but a number of challenges still remain. The 2025 ATU-R report “5G Preparedness and Relevant Use Cases in Africa” reveals that while over half of the African countries have made regulatory preparations for 5G, spectrum availability, infrastructure readiness, and lack of harmonisation are hindering progress. This session will continue to build on the ongoing regional dialogue, focusing on the work that is being done to overcome obstacles and deliver on the target of a unified regional strategy for 5G. It will address lessons from early adopters, analyse models for spectrum harmonisation, and evaluate how to best leverage 5G for economic growth and inclusive development. 

• What progress has been seen in the past year, regarding the rollout and expansion of 5G networks across African nations?
• Which countries in the region serve as effective models for early 5G deployment, and what institutional or policy factors enabled their success?
• How do global 5G policies influence Africa’s 5G deployment strategies?​
• How does spectrum availability in key 5G bands (e.g., 3.5 GHz, 700 MHz) vary across the region, and what steps are needed for harmonisation?
• Should Sub-Saharan Africa adopt a phased approach to standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G deployment models, or should deployment be use-case driven?
• What infrastructure and regulatory gaps need to be addressed to support the backhaul and core network requirements of 5G in Sub-Saharan Africa?
• What levels of take-up of 5G services by consumers and businesses is being seen in those countries that have rolled out 5G services? What work is being done to drive adoption at both a national and regional level?
• What mechanisms are available to regulators and Governments to help reduce deployment costs and encourage private sector investment in 5G networks? What examples of this are being seen and what impact is it having? 
• What lessons can be drawn from 5G rollouts and spectrum allocation approaches in African markets and globally? How can these insights inform a coordinated regional strategy and support effective national-level implementation of 5G services?

Despite rapid advancements in digital technology and a growing recognition of connectivity as a fundamental enabler of economic and social development, much of Sub-Saharan Africa remains offline. With over 70% of the population still unconnected, addressing the digital divide is both a critical challenge and a profound opportunity for inclusive growth. This session will explore the pivotal role of spectrum policy and management in extending digital access to underserved and unserved communities across the region. It will examine how regulators, policymakers, operators, and innovators can collaborate to unlock spectrum’s full potential as a tool for inclusion—particularly through low-band and mid-band frequencies that support wide-area, cost-effective coverage. Speakers will reflect on the current policy landscape, share regional and international best practices, and highlight innovative technologies and licensing models that are helping to drive rural connectivity. Discussions will also consider how spectrum strategies can be aligned with broader universal access goals, investment incentives, and infrastructure-sharing frameworks to create a more connected Sub-Saharan Africa.

• What is the current status of the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa, and how can spectrum policy directly address the most persistent coverage gaps?
• Which frequency bands hold the greatest potential for expanding rural and low-income connectivity, and how are they currently being utilised?
• How can innovative spectrum approaches—such as dynamic/shared spectrum models, regional licensing, or community-based access—help bring connectivity to remote and underserved areas?
• How can satellite and terrestrial operators work together to help contribute to a solution towards closing the digital divide? What impact can integrated new technologies such as Direct-to-Device have as part of the solution?
• What role can governments and regulators play in creating favourable conditions for private investment in high-cost, low-revenue areas, such as through spectrum pricing, licensing incentives, or public-private partnerships?
• How can spectrum policy be harmonised across borders to facilitate more efficient deployments, reduce device costs, and encourage greater investment across the region?
• What examples—within Africa or globally—show successful models of leveraging spectrum to close the connectivity gap, and what can be learned from them?
• How can regulators support infrastructure sharing and open access models through spectrum licensing conditions, to reduce duplication and expand rural networks?

As Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity begins to move from concept to reality, many see it as an opportunity to transform the connectivity landscape across Africa and beyond. At the same time, it raises complex challenges for spectrum management, regional harmonisation, and the protection of incumbent services. Two distinct technical and regulatory approaches are emerging—one leveraging Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum, and the other adapting International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands—each carrying unique implications for policy, coordination, and coexistence. With global frameworks still evolving and WRC-27 on the horizon, stakeholders in Africa have a unique opportunity to influence how D2D develops locally and globally. This panel will consider the state of play, early lessons from trials, and the strategic decisions that will shape the continent’s role in this next chapter of digital inclusion.

• What are the key challenges and opportunities that the emergence of D2D connectivity could pose for spectrum managers and for stakeholders in Africa more broadly?
• What work is taking place in Africa and around the world to explore the adaptation of existing regulatory frameworks and systems? With D2D connectivity set for discussion at WRC-27, what is the situation in the interim 4-year period? Where does the balance lie between not stifling innovation, but also ensuring the protection of all users on a temporary basis whilst long-term solutions are found? 
• What different bands and access models are being considered for D2D? Is coordination of spectrum bands possible at a regional level? And globally?
• What are the key use cases for D2D communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to what extent could it play a part in tackling the digital divide?
• What work has begun on defining system characteristics of services and sharing conditions with incumbent services?
• Is the “first-come-first-served” principle in ITU satellite coordination well suited for D2D and other future connectivity models and requirements?
• What examples are being seen across countries in the region of starting to test D2D services? What experiences have been seen? Which spectrum is being used for the tests?

Satellite technology continues to play a vital role in delivering connectivity in Africa, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved regions where terrestrial networks remain limited or economically unviable. As satellite communications evolve with the rise of Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) constellations, new possibilities are emerging for high-speed, low-latency connectivity. However, this transformation also presents fresh challenges for policymakers and regulators seeking to keep pace with rapidly shifting technical and commercial realities. This session will explore how spectrum licensing and regulatory frameworks across Africa are adapting to the changing satellite landscape. It will examine whether current regimes are sufficiently flexible to accommodate innovations like NGSO constellations and Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), while ensuring interference protection, fair market access, and efficient spectrum use. Panellists will also consider the trade-offs between open access and market structure, the role of blanket licensing, and how regional harmonisation could accelerate deployment across borders. As demand for satellite-based services grows—from education and healthcare to emergency response and financial inclusion—this discussion will assess how regulators can craft future-fit policies that support innovation, reduce barriers to entry, and enable inclusive and sustainable satellite connectivity across the continent.

• What are the current licensing challenges faced by GSO and NGSO satellite operators in Sub-Saharan Africa?
• What approaches can promote the fair coexistence of both systems while ensuring equitable spectrum access? How are regulators addressing interference risks?
• How are African countries currently approaching satellite spectrum licensing, and what models have proven most effective in enabling deployment while managing coordination and interference?
• What regulatory challenges are emerging from NGSO systems, and how can competition and innovation be fostered without compromising legacy operations or future entrants?
• To what extent do ITU guidelines and international frameworks support effective national implementation, especially regarding power limits and spectrum sharing?
• Is the first-come-first-served model still viable in the satellite era, or are new access mechanisms needed to ensure long-term market fairness?
• What is the potential of blanket or class licensing in streamlining market entry, and what lessons can be learned from countries already applying these approaches?
• How are regulators across Africa adapting to accommodate new technologies such as ESIMs? Are there opportunities to develop common licensing models at a regional level?
• Should future licensing frameworks distinguish between GSO and NGSO systems, or is there value in developing unified regimes that support hybrid architectures?
• Could simplified service registration models reduce costs and accelerate adoption for users, and what role might pan-African regulatory cooperation play in shaping these reforms?

The 2nd ATU Regional Preparatory Meeting for WRC-27 (APM27-2) will take place the week after this conference. Earlier sessions at this conference have discussed many of the key issues and agenda items to be discussed, and using those discussions as a backdrop ahead of that, this session will provide a bridge to next week’s meeting and at the key discussions that are set to take place. It will provide the opportunity for stakeholders to outline their priorities, objectives, and strategies, and explore early indications of African positions on critical agenda items that are emerging. By examining emerging trends, potential challenges, and areas for greater coordination, the discussion will set the scene for the continuation of preparatory work at a regional level in Africa, and provide insights into the best way forward to deliver a cohesive and effective strategy for WRC-27 and ensure a successful outcome.

• What should be the key regional objectives and key agenda items for Africa at WRC-27, and how can countries and stakeholders collaborate to achieve these objectives? 
• What progress in these areas has been seen to date, and what are set to be the key discussions at the ATU regional preparatory meeting (APM27-2) next week?
• What have been the outcomes of sessions into these topics at this conference, and how could these feed into the broader discussions at APM27-2?
• In which areas and agenda items is a consensus emerging across Africa and the rest of Region 1, and where are there different positions? 
• How important will WRC-27 be for setting the spectrum strategy for Africa beyond 2030, and how can it be ensured that this longer-term outlook is taken into account when considering priorities across key agenda items?
• What insights and experiences from WRC-23 can help shape strategies for WRC-27?​
• To what extent should regulators be looking to align objectives for WRC-27 with their national spectrum strategies?
• Are trends being seen towards either increased or decreased coordination and harmonisation of spectrum policies across African countries and sub-regions? How important is it that harmonisation is achieved, and what role can WRC-27 play in helping to deliver this?