Uche Cecil Izuora
The rapid growth of satellite constellations and direct-to-device technology is increasingly blurring the boundary between terrestrial and space-based communications networks.
African regulators also faces mounting pressure to coordinate spectrum use across mobile, satellite, Wi-Fi and fixed networks while preparing for 5G and future generations of connectivity.
Spectrum management took centre stage in Abidjan during the Africa Space Expo (Aspex), where Côte d’Ivoire’s Radio Frequency Management Agency, or AIGF, held its Radiocommunications Forum.
Participants focused in particular on the joint deployment of terrestrial and satellite networks and on frequency management across the West African sub-region.
Radio spectrum refers to the frequencies used for wireless communications, ranging from mobile networks to satellite links. Because spectrum is finite and devices operating on the same frequencies can interfere with one another, governments have traditionally allocated specific bands to different services.
Terrestrial mobile networks must continue absorbing rapid growth in data traffic as operators deploy 5G and prepare for future generations of mobile technology. At the same time, satellite constellations are expanding, while some emerging technologies now allow ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to satellites.
Direct-to-Device, or D2D, technology is one of the clearest examples of that convergence.
The International Telecommunication Union, or ITU, expects these technologies could contribute to the emergence of a more integrated connectivity system linking terrestrial and space networks by 2030.
That development raises a central regulatory question: how should authorities manage frequencies when networks that previously operated separately begin sharing spectrum resources or functioning together?
The GSMA, which represents mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem, has also highlighted the shift. The industry group says D2D services using terrestrial mobile frequencies are opening a new area of regulation, while protecting existing mobile networks from interference remains a major concern.
International rules governing those interactions are expected to receive further clarification at the next World Radiocommunication Conference, scheduled for 2027.
Satellite connectivity, however, is not expected to replace terrestrial networks.
The GSMA sees D2D primarily as a complement to existing mobile coverage, particularly in rural areas or locations that are difficult to serve. Satellite links generally offer lower capacity than terrestrial mobile networks, limiting their ability to function as a full substitute.
Network convergence extends beyond space-based communications.
Regulators must also balance growing spectrum demand from mobile operators, Wi-Fi networks, fixed wireless systems and other wireless services.
The 6 GHz band illustrates the challenge. Different regions have adopted different regulatory approaches over whether the band should primarily support Wi-Fi services or future mobile networks.
Those choices show that spectrum management is no longer simply about permanently assigning a frequency band to a single service. Regulators increasingly need to determine how multiple technologies can coexist and evolve over time.
African countries face an especially complex set of priorities.
They must expand mobile coverage, improve existing network quality, prepare for 5G and future mobile generations, and integrate new satellite operators and technologies at the same time.
Cross-border coordination is also becoming increasingly important because radio frequencies do not stop at national borders.
During the Radiocommunications Forum, Côte d’Ivoire highlighted the need for stronger regional coordination and stressed that effective frequency management can prevent harmful interference while supporting the expansion of both terrestrial and satellite networks.
African regulators increasingly need to organise spectrum use among networks that are becoming complementary, interconnected and, in some cases, competitors for the same frequencies, EcofinAgency reports.
More harmonised spectrum management could also support faster 5G deployment, reduce broadband costs and extend connectivity to areas that remain commercially difficult to serve.
That objective is central to the Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa, or PRIDA, a programme established by the African Union, the European Union and the ITU