Can I just use a low-power FM transmitter without a licence?

No. Transmitting on FM without a spectrum licence is an offence under the Electronic Communications Act, and equipment can be confiscated.

Does streaming online need a licence?

Internet-only streaming does not need a broadcasting licence, though music rights (SAMRO, SAMPRA, CAPASSO) still apply.

What about music royalties?

You need the relevant licences from the collecting societies in addition to the ICASA licence.

Can a school or university apply?

Yes — campus broadcasting is a recognised category, but the institution must be the applicant.

Communications

Temporary Broadcasting Licence

In plain English

A temporary or special-event broadcasting licence from ICASA lets you run a radio service for a short period — a religious festival, sports event, university open week or community campaign — without holding a full community broadcasting licence.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Event organisers, religious bodies, campuses and community groups that want to broadcast on FM for a limited period, plus anyone needing a short-term frequency for on-site audio distribution.

When is it required

Well before the event. ICASA licensing runs on published deadlines, so a last-minute application usually cannot be accommodated.

Eligibility

The applicant is a South African-registered body (NPO, company, trust, religious body or educational institution)
The broadcast is for a defined, limited period and geographic area
You are not disqualified by ownership and control limits in the Electronic Communications Act

Documents you need before applying

Completed ICASA application form for the relevant licence class
Registration documents of the applicant body and a list of directors or office bearers
Programming plan and language policy
Technical proposal — transmitter site, power, antenna height and requested frequency
Proof of payment of the application fee

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Check the current ICASA invitation or notice
ICASA publishes invitations to apply and the applicable forms in the Government Gazette and on its website. Apply against the current notice, not an old form.
2
Prepare the technical proposal
You need a proposed frequency, transmitter site coordinates, power and antenna details. A broadcast engineer usually prepares this so it survives interference analysis.
3
Submit the application and pay the fee
Submit to ICASA's licensing division by the stated deadline, with all annexures.
4
Obtain the radio frequency spectrum licence
The broadcasting licence and the spectrum licence are separate. You need both before you may transmit.
5
Broadcast within the licence conditions
Stick to the licensed dates, power, frequency and coverage area, and comply with the BCCSA code on content.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa), licensing division.

Fees

An application fee plus annual or pro-rata licence and spectrum fees, set in ICASA's published fee regulations. Confirm current amounts with ICASA before budgeting.

Processing time

Several weeks to a few months, depending on the licence class and whether the frequency is contested.

Validity

The event or campaign period specified in the licence — commonly up to 30 days.

Renewal

A new application is required for each period. Repeated events usually need to plan around ICASA's annual application windows.

Common mistakes to avoid

Transmitting on the strength of the broadcasting licence alone, without the spectrum licence
Missing ICASA's application deadline
Requesting a frequency already allocated in that area
Exceeding the licensed transmitter power, which causes interference complaints