Spectrum access and management innovation
We conduct research and development and provide enterprise support in wireless communication technologies, with a specific focus on dynamic spectrum access and management, radio access networks for mobile technologies, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, including a circular economy.
Our solutions contribute to the reindustrialisation of our country through technology localisation, lowering the cost of information and communications infrastructure deployment, as well as reducing costs for new entrant network providers in the telecommunications sector.
Contact information:
Highlights
Implementing television white spaces to provide connectivity to rural areas
The CSIR has made great strides in deploying its novel television (TV) white spaces technology, which makes it possible to provide affordable broadband wireless internet connectivity to underserved rural and township communities by using TV brands for broadband access.
SMMEs roll out tech that uses idle radio frequency spectrum for broadband
Thirteen rural and township communities across six South African provinces have so far benefitted from affordable wireless broadband services, thanks to the deployment of CSIR technology that utilises idle radio frequency spectrum. This was made possible by the empowerment of 11 small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) wireless internet service providers, who were key in rolling out the CSIR-developed technology.
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Empowering iXopo: Bridging the digital divide
In a significant stride towards a more interconnected future, South Africa has made remarkable progress in narrowing the digital gap among its households, as revealed by the latest Census 2022 data.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) supports the government’s efforts by conducting extensive research and development in affordable information technologies aimed at serving unserved and underserved rural township communities in South Africa through collaborative efforts.
CSIR youth takes centre stage at G20 ministerial youth outreach programme 2025
On Thursday, 26 June 2025, in a proud moment for South Africa, youth representatives from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) took centre stage at the G20 Ministerial Youth Outreach Programme 2025. The event, hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency, was held at the University of Limpopo under the theme: “Advancing inclusive growth for young people through science, technology and innovation”.
Read moreOur capabilities
Advanced radio resource management in wireless networks, dynamic spectrum access, Artificial Intelligence /Machine Learning applications in wireless networks, wireless broadband network deployment, audits, monitoring and evaluation, circular economy in the telecommunications sector, energy-efficient mobile network technologies and open radio access networks in fifth generation technology and beyond.
Our research
We develop solutions aimed at closing the digital divide to ensure that no one is left behind in terms of broadband access, especially in developing regions. Through end-to-end research, development and innovation value chain management, we partner with the public and private sector, specifically policy makers, regulatory agencies and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), to ensure that our innovative solutions make a real impact by improving the lives of people within and beyond South Africa.
Our infrastructure
- Patented GLSD technology to support the deployment of television whitespace from the regulatory and operator perspectives
- Software-defined, radio-based open radio access network testbed
- Nationwide spectrum monitoring testbed
- Low-cost spectrum monitoring system
- Low-cost energy measurement tool
Work with us
Key contact/contact process
- Dynamic Spectrum Access, spectrum sandbox, rural broadband networks and television whitespace projects – Prof. Luzango Mfupe
- Open radio access networks in 5G and beyond, as well as the circular economy – Dr Moshe Masonta
- Energy-efficient mobile network technologies – Prof. Albert Lysko