Germiston — Regulators have launched an investigation after weeks of monitoring detected commercial radio transmissions on frequencies reserved for amateur use, with the operation traced to an entity on premises in Germiston, according to SARL HAMNET Gauteng and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
What was found and who investigated
The interference was first reported by amateur radio operators in the East Rand who noted unlawful transmissions affecting repeater networks across Gauteng. Volunteers from SARL HAMNET Gauteng, a self-described Interference Investigation Unit made up of licensed radio amateurs, assisted ICASA investigators by tracking and gathering intelligence over several weeks.
An ICASA investigating officer led inspection visits to several companies in the identified area. Following interviews and on-site checks, investigators identified an entity providing services to a business operating commercial two-way radio equipment on the amateur band between 430MHz and 440MHz without the necessary authorisation. The identity of that company has not been disclosed, as the matter is part of an ongoing legal process, SARL HAMNET Gauteng said.
“Operating radio equipment without the appropriate licence, or programming and selling regulated two-way radios without the necessary authorisation, may constitute a breach of South African communications laws,” SARL HAMNET Gauteng said in its statement.
Why this matters for Germiston residents
Amateur radio repeaters are used by licensed operators for hobby, community and emergency communications. Unauthorised transmissions can cause interference that disrupts those services and, in some instances, can impede communications used during emergencies. Regulators and the amateur community say unlawful use of the spectrum undermines the orderly management of frequencies and can have knock-on effects for legitimate users across the province.
- Frequency affected: 430MHz–440MHz (amateur band)
- Investigators: ICASA (lead) with volunteers from SARL HAMNET Gauteng
- Status: Entity identified on Germiston premises; matter reportedly in ongoing legal process
Regulatory reminder and enforcement
ICASA regulates the possession and operation of two-way radio equipment in South Africa, and licences are required to operate on regulated frequencies. SARL HAMNET Gauteng used the incident to remind the public that purchasing radio transceivers from online retailers does not automatically authorise their use on licensed frequencies.
The organisation also cautioned about the commercial programming and sale of regulated two-way radios without authorisation, saying such activity may breach communications laws. SARL HAMNET Gauteng thanked ICASA and members of the amateur radio community who took part in the operation and expressed hope that enforcement action will reduce unlawful interference affecting licensed radio users across Gauteng.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reported by | Amateur radio operators in the East Rand |
| Investigators | ICASA officer with SARL HAMNET Gauteng volunteers |
| Frequency band | 430MHz–440MHz (amateur) |
| Location traced to | Entity operating on premises in Germiston |
| Legal status | Ongoing legal process; identity not disclosed |
For Germiston businesses and residents who use radio equipment, the takeaway is clear: ensure the correct licences are in place and that equipment is authorised for the frequencies in use. Unauthorised transmissions can lead to enforcement action, and continued interference risks damaging community and emergency communications networks that rely on clear spectrum access.
Members of the local amateur radio community said they will continue monitoring repeaters and cooperating with ICASA to identify and report unlawful usage. The matter remains under investigation and no further details were provided about enforcement outcomes at the time of the SARL HAMNET Gauteng statement.
