SA's DTT roll-out looms
In partnership with other state owned entities involved in the Broadcast Digital Migration (BDM) project, the Minister of Communications, Faith Muthambi will deploy the first batch of government subsidised set-top-boxes (STB's) in the communities of Keimoes and Kakamas, in the Northern Cape on 17 December.
Sentech concluded its DTT infrastructure installation process of 178 transmitter stations nationwide in February 2015 and offers Direct-To-Home (DTH) broadcasting infrastructure as a gap filler for SKA areas and other areas along the country to ensure 100% digital television access for all South African audiences. This state of readiness will support the phasing out of analogue signals at different phases beginning with the Northern Cape and Free State region. The roll-out of DTT signal will follow a phased approach with Mpumalanga and a part of the Kwa-Zulu Natal province set to be in phase two of the government subsidised STB registration and installation process.
The migration from analogue to digital television is a major event in South Africa's history. DTT presents more opportunities for broadcasters in terms of content proliferation, more channel options for all TV audiences and an alternate revenue stream in Sentech's broadcasting signal distribution services. "It is an honour for Sentech to be a part of this milestone event and we remain committed to ensuring that we provide a stable and robust digital television network for South Africa's households," says Sentech's CEO, Mlamli Booi.
