The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has pledged to work with higher education institutions in the country to enhance wireless technology research and collaboration, and facilitate policy development and rule making.

ICASA, the regulator of South Africa’s telecommunications industry, last week announced a joint venture with the University of Pretoria, in South Africa on a spectrum research programme.

The development is part of ICASA’s Research Collaboration Programme.

“The programme was initiated by the Engineering and Technology Division of Icasa to facilitate wireless technology research and forecast, and to enhance policy development and rule making,” said ICASA spokesperson Paseka Maleka.

Last week, an ICASA delegation toured University of Pretoria, South Africa to view a research setup at the institution.

During the tour, Prof Roelf Sandenbergh, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Pretoria reiterated Icasa’s commitment to research and interaction with academia. He explained strides made by the faculty to extend their reach to all communities.

Prof Sunil Maharaj, acting head of the Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Department and also Director of the Sentech Research Group, presented the research output from the collaboration.

Icasa said currently the focus areas of the collaboration were benefits from emerging technologies such as cognitive radio, development techniques on spectrum management to bridge the rural-urban divide, facilitation of regional and international harmonisation in radio frequency planning, standardisation and equipment development to reduce the cost of communication.

Stewart Chabwinja