ICASA Two-Way Radio Licensing in South Africa | Vitexacom Guide

Before transmitting on a two-way radio in South Africa, it is important to understand the difference between a radio-frequency spectrum licence, a licence exemption and ICASA equipment type approval. These are separate compliance questions. This guide is general information to help customers ask the right questions; it is not a legal opinion or confirmation that a particular radio is authorised.

Does every two-way radio need a frequency licence?

ICASA's general position is that radio transmission or use of radio apparatus requires a radio-frequency spectrum licence unless an applicable exemption or other authorisation applies. The exemption is not a blanket permission for any radio that a seller describes as “licence-free”. It applies only to radio apparatus that falls within the specified category and complies with the technical conditions in the regulations.

What does licence-exempt actually mean?

South Africa's Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations contain an annexure listing apparatus that is exempt from an individual radio-frequency spectrum licence when used in accordance with the specifications in the table. Those specifications can include frequency band, application type, maximum radiated power or field-strength limits and relevant performance standards. The 2023 amendment substituted Annexure B. The exemption also retains electromagnetic compatibility and safety requirements for the relevant application type.

That means a radio's appearance, advertised wattage or ability to be programmed to a frequency does not establish that it qualifies. The exact model and configuration must be checked against the applicable annexure and current ICASA requirements.

Is PMR446 automatically licence-free in South Africa?

Do not assume that a device labelled PMR446 or 446 MHz automatically qualifies. The South African exemption must be checked as published by ICASA, including the relevant application type and all technical conditions. A radio designed for another country's licence-exempt rules may not meet the South African requirements. Ask for the exact model and compliance information before operating it.

What is a radio-frequency spectrum licence?

A spectrum licence authorises use of specified radio-frequency spectrum under conditions set by ICASA. The conditions may include frequency, geographic area, technical parameters, station type and other restrictions. A licence for one site or area should not be assumed to authorise use everywhere. ICASA's application information includes services such as base/mobile, simplex, private and communal repeaters and other radio applications.

What is ICASA type approval?

Type approval is about the equipment itself. ICASA explains that electronic communications equipment, including radio apparatus, generally must be approved before it is used, supplied, sold, offered for sale, leased or hired in South Africa, unless the Authority has explicitly exempted it. Type approval verifies compliance with applicable technical and regulatory standards. It is separate from permission to use a particular frequency.

Can a radio be type-approved but still need a frequency licence?

Yes. Type approval addresses the equipment. A spectrum licence or valid exemption addresses the authority to use spectrum. Meeting one requirement does not automatically satisfy the other. A customer should check both the device approval status and the intended frequency use.

Can I change the frequency or power myself?

No. The fact that programming software offers a frequency or power setting does not mean that you are authorised to transmit with it. The exemption conditions restrict operation to specified technical parameters, and changes to frequency, power or antenna may affect compliance and equipment approval. Do not copy another company's frequencies or alter settings without confirming the legal authority and system plan.

What about repeaters and base stations?

Repeaters and fixed base stations can involve different technical parameters and licensing considerations from small handheld devices. Frequency availability, duplex spacing, location, antenna system, radiated power and geographic coverage must be assessed. ICASA's spectrum licensing information specifically identifies private and communal repeater and base/mobile applications among the services for which applications may be required.

What should a business check before buying?

1. Identify the exact radio model and variant.
2. Ask whether the equipment has the relevant ICASA type approval or an applicable exemption.
3. Identify the intended frequency band and operating configuration.
4. Confirm whether the operation qualifies for a licence exemption or requires a spectrum licence.
5. For licensed systems, confirm the licence holder, authorised area and technical conditions.
6. Keep the equipment documentation and programming details with the system records.

Official sources

• ICASA – Spectrum Licensing
• ICASA – Type Approval
• ICASA – Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations
• Government Gazette 48643 – 2023 amendment to Annexure B

Important: Regulations and exemption tables can change. If a project depends on a particular frequency, power level or exemption, confirm the current position with ICASA or a suitably qualified spectrum professional before transmitting.

Related reading: Two-way radio buying guide · Business radio system planning. Explore equipment: Analogue radios and analogue and digital radios.