DoC explains set box project process

The digital migration policy among others, aims for the supply of more than five million digital television set-top boxes for poorer households. (Image: Aaron Escobar, via Wikimedia Commons)

This, while acknowledging that there have been processes undertaken by various key role-players prior to the finalisation of the recently amended Broadcasting Digital Migration policy.

According to Acting Director General Donald Liphoko, this will allow government to align it with the final gazetted policy.

The DoC has gazetted the new amended policy No 38583 on 18 March 2015 and is available on the departmental website www.doc.gov.za and is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za.

The digital migration policy, among others, aims for the supply of more than five million digital television set-top boxes for poorer households.

Liphoko explained that following the proclamation issued on 4 December 2014, which transfers certain functions in terms of the Electronic Communications Act and Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act (ICASA Act), a formal handover process between the DoC and Telecommunications and Postal Services was concluded in January 2015.

One of the programmes handed over to DoC is the Broadcasting Digital Migration.

This programme requires public entities such as SENTECH, South African Post Office, Universal Service & Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA), ICASA and South African Bureau of Standards to collaborate in the implementation of various critical aspects of the programme.

Liphoko said the DoC, as the lead department in the implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration programme, has clearly defined the roles of each entity in the programme implementation plan.

In this light, Liphoko said the comments made by the DTT Programme Head Solly Mokoetle were made within this understanding and context.

Recently USAASA slammed Mokoetle for his comments that the agency's tender process could be taken away from it as they launched their multibillion-rand tender before a final policy on migration was gazetted.

"Once again the department calls upon all role players to do their part in ensuring swift implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration programme."