Zambia 5G Spectrum: ZICTA Opens Public Consultation on 3300MHz and 2300MHz Band Assignment

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) — the country's principal regulator for information and communications technology — has launched a formal public consultation on the planned assignment of mobile spectrum within the 3300MHz and 2300MHz frequency bands. This marks a significant step forward in Zambia's ongoing strategy to accelerate 5G commercialization and expand national broadband capacity.

Overview of the ZICTA Consultation

ZICTA's consultation sets out two distinct but complementary spectrum proposals. Together, they aim to lay the technical and regulatory foundation for next-generation mobile connectivity across Zambia, targeting both new 5G infrastructure deployment and the enhancement of existing broadband networks.

The regulator has invited all relevant stakeholders — including mobile network operators, device manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and industry associations, to submit written comments and recommendations ahead of the consultation deadline.

Proposal 1: 3300–3400MHz Band — 100MHz Contiguous Block for 5G

ZICTA Proposes Zambia 5G Spectrum in the 3300MHz Band

ZICTA proposes to assign the available 3300–3400MHz spectrum as a single contiguous 100MHz block, specifically designed to support the deployment of high-capacity 5G services.

This approach aligns with global best practices. A contiguous 100MHz block in the sub-6GHz midband range is widely considered the optimal configuration for 5G deployment, offering a strong balance between geographic coverage and high data throughput. Internationally, the 3300–3400MHz segment is recognized as a core 5G pioneer band by both the ITU and 3GPP, and is already in active commercial use across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

For Zambia, this would represent a major leap, enabling operators to launch commercial 5G services with adequate spectrum depth to support advanced use cases including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), fixed wireless access (FWA), and eventually, industrial IoT applications.

Proposal 2: 2360–2370MHz — Consolidation into the 2300MHz Band

ZICTA also proposes to integrate a previously released 10MHz block at 2360–2370MHz — made available earlier in 2026 — with existing licensee spectrum holdings within the 2300MHz band.

This consolidation strategy is designed to enhance overall capacity and spectral efficiency within the 2300MHz ecosystem. By combining fragmented holdings into a more unified block, licensed operators gain the ability to deploy wider carrier aggregation configurations, improving network performance for current 4G/LTE users while also providing a transition path toward 5G-ready architectures.

What This Means for Manufacturers

For device and equipment manufacturers active in the Zambian market or seeking market entry, this consultation carries direct implications:

• 5G device certification requirements will evolve. Once spectrum is formally assigned in the 3300–3400MHz band, devices supporting Band n77 or n78 (the 3GPP bands covering this range) will likely become relevant for type approval in Zambia.

• Existing 2300MHz certified devices may benefit from enhanced network performance as operators consolidate holdings, but no immediate re-certification is anticipated from the spectrum merger alone.

• Future type approval applications for devices intended for Zambia should account for 3300–3400MHz 5G band compatibility, particularly as ZICTA moves from consultation toward formal spectrum licensing.

• Infrastructure vendors (base stations, small cells, antennas) operating or planning to operate in these frequency ranges should monitor ZICTA's licensing outcome closely, as new technical conditions or emissions limits may accompany the final assignment decision.

  
  

Manufacturers are strongly advised to review the consultation document on the ZICTA website and consider submitting technical input where applicable.

Certification Impact Summary

Frequency Band	Proposal	Certification Impact
3300–3400MHz	New 100MHz 5G block assignment	Future type approval likely required for 5G devices in n77/n78
2360–2370MHz (2300MHz)	Merger with existing licensee holdings	No immediate re-certification expected; monitor network conditions
General 2300MHz band	Capacity expansion	Improved performance; potential updates to technical conditions

Timeline and Required Actions

Date / Phase	Event	Action Required
Early 2026	2360–2370MHz block made available by ZICTA	Operators notified; integration planning begins
May 2026	Public consultation launched on 3300MHz & 2300MHz	Stakeholders review proposals
22 May 2026	Deadline for stakeholder submissions	Submit written comments to ZICTA
Post-consultation	ZICTA reviews feedback and refines spectrum plan	Monitor ZICTA announcements
TBD	Formal spectrum assignment / licensing decision	Operators apply; manufacturers update type approval filings
TBD	5G network rollout begins in 3300–3400MHz band	Ensure certified device compatibility

Required actions for manufacturers and operators:

1. Review the consultation document on https://www.zicta.zm

2. Assess your device/equipment portfolio for 3300–3400MHz (5G) and 2300MHz band compatibility

3. Submit formal comments before 22 May 2026 if your products or operations are affected

4. Prepare type approval planning for 5G devices targeting the Zambian market

5. Monitor ZICTA post-consultation announcements for licensing timeline and technical conditions

   
   

Context: Zambia's 5G Trajectory

This consultation does not happen in isolation. ZICTA has been methodically building toward 5G commercialization over several years. In a prior spectrum sale covering the 800MHz and 2600MHz bands, ZICTA raised USD 41.55 million, with Airtel Zambia and MTN Zambia as the primary licensees. ZICTA has consistently updated its 5G spectrum roadmap and has worked to improve both 4G coverage and set the stage for commercial 5G, awarding spectrum in the 3.5GHz range as an initial 5G step.

The 3300–3400MHz consultation represents the next chapter — formalizing a high-capacity midband 5G layer that will complement Zambia's existing spectrum portfolio.

How to Participate

Stakeholders wishing to contribute to the consultation should direct their written submissions to ZICTA through the official website:

Conclusion

ZICTA's 2026 spectrum consultation on the 3300MHz and 2300MHz bands signals Zambia's accelerating commitment to 5G deployment and broadband capacity growth. For manufacturers, the assignment of a 100MHz 5G midband block in the 3300–3400MHz range will have tangible implications for device certification and market access planning. Staying ahead of the regulatory curve, by engaging with the consultation now and preparing type approval strategies in advance, is the recommended approach for any stakeholder with commercial interests in Zambia's telecommunications market.