ICASA investigates illegal radio transmissions in Germiston

An investigation led by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), is clamping down on businesses operating illegally on amateur radio frequencies.

With the assistance of volunteers from SARL HAMNET Gauteng, ICASA has identified a company in Germiston allegedly operating illegally on amateur radio frequencies.

According to a statement issued by SARL HAMNET Gauteng, operators from its self-described 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.

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The organisation said 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.

SARL HAMNET Gauteng alleges the entity was operating commercial radio equipment on the amateur radio spectrum between 430MHz and 440MHz without the required authorisation, 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 organisation used the incident to remind the public that ICASA regulates the possession and operation of two-way radio equipment and are subject to licensing requirements.

It warned that many radio transceivers are readily available through online retailers, but their purchase does not automatically authorise their use on regulated frequencies.

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SARL HAMNET Gauteng further cautioned that operating radio equipment without the appropriate licence, or programming and selling regulated two-way radios without the necessary authorisation, may constitute a breach of South African communications laws.

The organisation thanked ICASA and members of the amateur radio community who participated in the investigation, saying it hopes the operation will help reduce unlawful interference affecting licensed radio users across Gauteng.

ICASA had not publicly commented on the investigation at the time of publication.

ICASA regulations:

The investigation also highlights existing regulations governing the use of two-way radio equipment in South Africa.

In September 2022, ICASA published General Notice 1304 of 2022 in the Government Gazette, prohibiting the sale and use of the Baofeng UV-5R radio, with Type Approval Certificate TA-2018/870, pending a determination on its compliance with regulatory requirements.

According to the notice, ICASA’s preliminary investigation found that the device has continuous tuning capabilities, allowing it to scan and tune across radio frequencies beyond those for which an operator may be licensed.

The authority said this could result in radio frequency interference and contravenes the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2015.

The Gazette further states that anyone operating a two-way radio must first obtain a spectrum licence for a specific operating frequency.

The radio must then be type-approved and programmed by an accredited radio dealer to operate only on that assigned frequency.

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Operators are not permitted to scan or transmit across other frequencies, even if the radio is technically capable of doing so.

As part of the 2022 notice, ICASA instructed type approval certificate holders, licensees and radio dealers to remove or seal the affected Baofeng UV-5R radios and notify the authority within 14 working days of the publication of the notice.

The notice was issued in terms of section 4(3)(d);(f);(g);(i) and (m) of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, 2000 (Act No. 13 of 2000), as amended (“the ICASA Act”), read with Regulation 13 of the Type Approval Regulations, 2013 (“Type Approval Regulations”) published in Government Gazette No. 36785 dated 26 August 2013, and section 31(1);(2) & 32(1)(a) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005) as amended.