In excess of 30 years’ experience, in independent consultancy, specialising in spectrum management and regulatory affairs from in country to international ITU representation, our specialist, informed the national policy that ensures the effective deployment of radio and satellite-based technologies in South Africa. He was responsible for the development of the first National Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy in 2010, and was Project Manager for the Radio Frequency Spectrum audit conducted in 2013. He was responsible for the development of a National Communication Satellite Strategy within the framework of the National Space Programme in 2017/18.

In 2018 he was appointed as Chair of the SADC Committee of Satellite Experts to develop a SADC Shared Satellite Framework. The Committee was responsible for developing a governance framework, cost sharing models, principles in terms of how a SADC Satellite network would be shared and the related engagement framework.

In 2010, he was appointed as a Councillor in the South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA), which is responsible for the implementation of national space policy and the regulation of space affairs in South Africa, as well as ensuring that these activities are carried out in compliance with the provisions of international treaties to which South Africa is a Party. He continues to hold this position. He is a member of the SACSA Scientific & Technical Committee, and also the Policy & Legal Committee.

He has been a member of the South African delegation to all ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences since 1995, and was the South African National rapporteur for Satellite Issues for the 2015 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference. In 2012, he was the Chairperson of the SADC WRC-12 Preparatory Working Group and also Chairperson of the South African WRC-12 National Preparatory Working Group. He was the national co-ordinator on satellite issues in preparation for the 2019 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference. Linden was contracted by the Global Satellite Coalition (GSC) to influence African countries to support GSC positions in preparing for WRC-19, and to defend the GSC positions at WRC-19.

He has actively participated in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector Study Groups, particularly Study Group 4, which is responsible for satellite issues, and has been responsible for initiating a proposal on a “Simplified Regulatory Regime for non-GSO Satellites with Short-duration Missions within ITU-R Working Party 4A. This Simplified Regulatory Regime was adopted at WRC-19.

He has been a member of the South African delegation to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) meeting and the Scientific & Technical Sub-committee as well as the Legal Sub-committee, and was involved in the development of International Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.

He has undertaken numerous missions on behalf of the Development Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union to assist Ministries and Regulators in Africa to develop appropriate telecommunication policies and plans. These include the review and recommendations on spectrum management and spectrum pricing policies in Uganda, Tanzania, Liberia, Mauritius and Ethiopia.

Currently he chairs the SABS National Technical Committee on Communication Technology Standards, and is also a member of the SABS sub-committees on broadcasting and on radio communication.