Do PMR446 walkie-talkies need an ICASA licence?

No. PMR446 radios below 500 mW are on the licence-exempt list under GN 948 of 2015 and can be used without a licence for short-range communication.

How long does an ICASA STA take?

Standard STAs are issued in 10 to 30 working days. Complex or broadcasting STAs can take longer — apply at least 6 weeks in advance.

Can foreign broadcasters use their own frequencies at a South African event?

No. All spectrum use inside South Africa must be authorised by ICASA. Foreign broadcasters must apply for an STA through a South African broadcaster or agent.

What are the penalties for unlicensed spectrum use?

Fines up to R5 million per contravention under Section 31 of the ECA, plus equipment confiscation and criminal charges.

Do I need an STA for a drone command link?

Command and control on 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz ISM bands is licence-exempt. Video downlinks or long-range telemetry outside those bands need an STA.

Communications

Temporary Radio Frequency Spectrum Licence (ICASA) in South Africa

In plain English

Any use of the radio frequency spectrum in South Africa — two-way radios at events, outside-broadcast microwave links, aeronautical or maritime frequencies, temporary Wi-Fi backhaul, drone command links or film production comms — needs authorisation from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) under the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005. A Special Temporary Authority (STA) or short-term spectrum licence covers use of up to 90 days.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Event organisers, film and TV production companies, broadcasters, sports federations, security companies, aviation and maritime operators, and any user of two-way radios that are not on a licence-exempt band.

When is it required

Before switching on any radio equipment on a licensed band. This includes VHF/UHF two-way radios above licence-exempt limits, microwave links, and any use of aeronautical or maritime frequencies.

Eligibility

Applicant is a registered South African entity or a foreign body with an SA representative
The equipment is ICASA type-approved
The operator holds a Radio Operator's Certificate for restricted bands (aeronautical, maritime)
The requested frequency is available for the class of service in the applicable Radio Frequency Plan

Documents you need before applying

Company registration documents and directors' IDs
Full technical schedule — number of units, transmit power, antenna type, bandwidth
ICASA type-approval numbers for each radio model
Coverage area map with geographic coordinates
Dates and duration of use
Radio Operator's Certificate copies for restricted-band applications
Proof of payment of the application fee
Completed ICASA Form SL-STA (Special Temporary Authority)

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
Confirm frequency availability
Check the National Radio Frequency Plan on ICASA's website for the band and service class you need. Contact ICASA's Spectrum Management division to confirm the specific frequency is free in your area and dates.
2
Complete the STA application
Fill in Form SL-STA with the technical schedule, coverage area, dates and equipment details. Attach type-approval certificates and operator qualifications.
3
Submit to ICASA
Lodge the application at ICASA's Sandton head office or via licensing@icasa.org.za. Broadcasters use the Broadcasting Licensing Division.
4
Pay the prescribed fees
Pay both the administrative fee and the spectrum usage fee per the current ICASA Fees Regulations. Include the proof of payment with the application.
5
Receive the STA certificate
ICASA issues an STA with the frequency, power, coverage and validity dates. Keep the certificate on site during operations — Spectrum Inspectors do carry out compliance visits.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

ICASA — Licensing and Compliance Division, Sandton (or the regional ICASA office for the province of use).

Fees

Administrative fee (approximately R500–R2 000) plus a spectrum usage fee based on band, power and duration. Broadcast STAs are more expensive.

Processing time

10–30 working days for standard STAs. Apply at least 6 weeks before an event to allow for coordination.

Validity

Up to 90 days per STA. Longer periods require a full spectrum licence.

Renewal

STAs are non-renewable — apply for a new STA for each event, or convert to a full spectrum licence for ongoing use.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using untyped-approved radios imported from overseas — ICASA will refuse the STA
Applying too late — a 2-week runway is not enough for ICASA to coordinate frequencies
Assuming licence-exempt PMR446 radios are fine at all sites — power limits still apply
Ignoring the operator certificate rule for aeronautical and marine bands
Broadcasting without an ICASA broadcasting STA — this is a criminal offence

Tips to speed up your application

Ask your radio hire company for their type-approval certificates upfront — legit hire firms have them
For film shoots, apply for all locations in one STA to avoid multiple submissions
Keep the STA and frequency list in the production or event control room

Official sources

Always confirm the latest requirements and fees on the official website before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Communications · Permit

Temporary Broadcasting Licence

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