Guide to Telecommunications Tenders in South Africa

Government connectivity requirements continue to grow as digital transformation accelerates. From broadband rollout in schools to network infrastructure for government buildings, telecommunications tenders offer substantial opportunities for licensed operators and infrastructure providers.

Types of Telecommunications Tenders

• Fiber Infrastructure: Metro and rural fiber networks, last-mile connectivity.
• Mobile & Wireless: Cellular coverage, LTE/5G infrastructure, WiFi deployment.
• Voice Services: PBX systems, VoIP, call centre infrastructure.
• Internet Connectivity: Broadband services, ISP contracts, managed WAN.
• Radio Communications
  : Two-way radio, public safety networks, TETRA systems.
• Satellite Services: VSAT, satellite internet for remote areas.

ICASA Licensing Requirements

The Independent Communications

Authority of South Africa (ICASA) regulates telecommunications. Appropriate licensing is mandatory for providing telecom services to government.

License Categories

SA Connect and Government Broadband

SA Connect is the national broadband policy driving connectivity to government facilities, schools, and health clinics. Major projects include:

• School connectivity (Basic Education
  departments)
• Health facility connectivity (National Health)
• Thusong Service Centres connectivity
• Government building
  connectivity upgrades
• Rural broadband expansion

Tender Evaluation Criteria

Service Level Agreements

Government telecom contracts typically include strict SLAs. Be prepared to commit to:

• 99.5%+ network uptime guarantees
• 4-hour fault response times
• 24/7 network operations centre (NOC) support
• Bandwidth guarantees and QoS parameters
• Penalty clauses for SLA failures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing ICASA licenses: Services must match license categories
• Overcommitting on SLAs: Only commit to what you can deliver
• Ignoring rural coverage: Many contracts include remote sites
• Poor network design: Ensure redundancy and resilience
• Inadequate support: 24/7 capability may be required

Building Your Telecom Track Record

1. Obtain appropriate ICASA licenses (Class or Individual)
2. Build NOC and support capabilities
3. Start with municipal or single-site contracts
4. Partner with larger operators for infrastructure access
5. Develop rural and remote connectivity expertise

Conclusion

Telecommunications tenders offer valuable long-term contracts for licensed operators with strong network capabilities. Success requires appropriate ICASA licensing, reliable infrastructure, and proven support capabilities. Build your track record through smaller connectivity contracts before targeting major broadband or infrastructure projects.