The SADC region is no stranger to risk. From climate-driven floods and wildfires to aviation mishaps and maritime incidents, disaster exposure is growing across Southern Africa.
At the same time, the region is accelerating digital transformation, allocating more spectrum for mobile broadband and rolling out 4G and 5G services. But in the race to connect the unconnected, a crucial pillar of safety is at risk: satellite-based services operating in the L-band.
Without strong regional policy protections, SADC could undermine its capacity to respond to life-threatening events—from aviation emergencies and maritime distress calls to disaster relief in remote and rural communities.
This concern was elevated during a high-level safety and spectrum seminar held in March 2025 in Sandton. Attended by telecommunications, satellite, and emergency services experts, the event underscored the region’s growing vulnerability—highlighting outdated infrastructure, weak coordination, and fragmented communication systems. These issues affect not only maritime safety but also aviation oversight, natural disaster management, and humanitarian response across the region.
The L-band: A Critical Layer of Safety Infrastructure
The 1518–1525 MHz portion of the L-band is globally recognised as essential for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) that support:
- Satellite-based emergency communications
- Aeronautical telemetry and navigation systems
- Public protection and disaster relief (PPDR)
- Maritime rescue coordination
- Humanitarian assistance and early warning alerts
In rural, remote, and underserved areas—whether at sea, in the air, or deep inland—satellite links provide the only reliable connectivity during crises. In such high-risk environments, lives depend on interference-free signals from space.
The Threat: IMT Expansion into L-band
Some national regulators in the region, including ICASA, have proposed the expansion of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) into the L-band, with plans that extend usage up to 1518 MHz. While mobile broadband growth is critical for digital inclusion, such expansion threatens adjacent satellite services operating in the 1518–1525 MHz band.
Without firm safeguards—such as a dedicated guard band and frequency limits—harmful interference could erode the reliability of satellite signals when they’re needed most.
- The consequences of such interference could include:
- Missed distress signals from ships, aircraft, or emergency beacons
- Disrupted disaster warning systems
- Delayed coordination in rescue operations
- Breakdown in communications with emergency responders in the field
Lessons from a Region at Risk
Across the SADC region, maritime and aviation safety systems are increasingly stretched. Experts warn of insufficient tracking, delayed responses, and poor connectivity in critical operations. This is particularly true in cross-border airspace, expansive coastal zones, and disaster-prone inland areas.
In many cases, satellite systems using L-band frequencies serve as the only communication channel—whether for ship distress beacons in the Mozambique Channel or telemetry signals over the Kalahari Desert.
The risks of degraded or blocked satellite signals are not theoretical—they are a direct threat to safety and rescue operations regionwide.
What Regulators Must Do Now
To preserve safety across SADC, regulators must urgently adopt a protective, harmonised approach to the L-band. The following actions are essential:
1. Limit IMT assignments to 1492 MHz
→ This ensures sufficient separation between mobile networks and MSS operations.
2. Establish an adequate guard band
→ To prevent adjacent-band interference and preserve the quality of satellite signal reception.
3. Embed L-band protection into regional and national spectrum policy
→ Maritime, aviation, and emergency services must be prioritised in licensing, planning, and enforcement.
These measures are essential—not just from a technical perspective—but as a matter of regional risk management.
Spectrum Policy for SADC’s Realities
The SADC region’s terrain, infrastructure gaps, and disaster vulnerability demand a tailored spectrum policy. Unlike nations with dense terrestrial coverage, many SADC countries depend on satellite-based systems for:
- Remote maritime coordination
- Air navigation in under-resourced airspace
- Emergency response in unconnected rural areas
- Humanitarian aid deployment in hard-to-reach zones
The L-band enables:
- Life-saving links between rescue centres and ships at sea
- Cross-border aviation safety and telemetry
- Communication during wildfires, floods, and natural disasters
- Support for disaster relief and crisis management operations
Treating this band as simply “available” for mobile broadband disregards its public interest and life-saving potential.
Balanced Policy for a Resilient, Connected Region
Expanding mobile broadband in SADC is essential for development. But this must not come at the cost of safety. The goal is balance—supporting connectivity while safeguarding critical services through smart policy design.
- This is achievable with:
- Clear spectrum planning
- Strong regulatory coordination
- A shared commitment to protect life-saving infrastructure
Conclusion: Safeguard the Frequencies That Save Lives
SADC regulators face a pivotal decision. How they treat the L-band today will determine the region’s ability to respond to tomorrow’s emergencies.
- The way forward is clear:
- Cap IMT use at 1492 MHz
- Introduce an adequate guard band to shield satellite services
- And elevate public safety as a spectrum planning priority
This is not about resisting progress—it’s about building a resilient digital future that protects lives across sea, sky, and land.