SA Government’s Digital TV promise
South Africa’s migration to digital television broadcasting has been fraught with a number of delays since the framework for the process was put forward by Cabinet in 2008.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) recently indicated that South Africa’s switch over to digital terrestrial television (DTT) will be delayed until at least 2013. This is over a year and a half later than cabinet had initially envisaged.
In addition to this Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda recently dissolved a council appointed in 2008 to advise him on South Africa’s transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting, the Digital Dzonga, on the grounds of a conflict of interests among members.
In a document entitled ‘The Government’s Promise’, which is currently published on the South African 2010 FIFA World Cup website, the government outlines ICT and broadcasting requirements for the event.
With the World Cup less than two months away it appears that a number of objectives have not yet been achieved.
The Government’s Promise
According to the document: “It is a FIFA requirement that broadcasting is digital. By 2010, close to 80% of South Africans watching the World Cup will have access to digital television.”
Sentech, the government owned telecommunications company tasked with implemented the infrastructure for DTT, has indicated that the number of people who will be able to access DTT is significantly lower.
According to Sentech spokesperson Polly Modiko, “Sentech has rolled out DTT infrastructure that is capable of providing just over 50% population coverage,” she added that “the DTT Migration process does not impact on 2010 FIFA World Cup transmission.”
The Government’s Promise also stated that “Sentech will launch at least one high-definition television satellite channel in time for the World Cup”. Sentech however responded that “there is no provision for an HD channel on DTT”.
Reasons for delay
According to a recent report Sentech said it was ICASA’s delay in publishing a Frequency Spectrum Plan for DTT that was to blame for the slow roll out.
This meant that Sentech has been unable to purchase all the equipment required to complete the process. Modiko confirmed this, adding that the company “still has to buy some of the equipment”.
ICASA was approached for comment regarding the delay in issuing the Final Broadcast Frequency plan but failed to reply.
The Blame Game
At present the digital migration environment appears to be playing host to a blame game between the national regulator, the communications department and Sentech.
Nonetheless it appears increasingly unlikely that the dual illumination process, wherebye operators are required to broadcast in both analogue and digital formats, will begin in 2011.
SA Government’s Digital TV promise << Discussion
Related links
Digital TV delays: DoC vs ICASA vs Sentech
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