[6 July 2023]
The Minister gave Parliament an update on implementing broadcast digital migration (BDM) and the announcement of an analogue switch off (ASO) date.
[23 June 2023]
The date for the final switch-off of the analogue signal and the end of dual illumination has been gazetted.
- From 31 July 2023, alll analogue broadcasting services above 694 MHz will be switched off
- 31 December 2024 is set as the date for the end of the dual illumination period and switch-off of frequencies below 694 MHz
Notice: Final switch-off of the analogue signal and the end of dual illumination
[7 October 2022]
The Minister and Department of Communications and Digital Technologies gave Parliament an update on implementing broadcast digital migration (BDM) and the announcement of an analogue switch off (ASO) date.
[29 March 2022]
The High Court has ruled on e.tv’s request to delay the analogue television switch-off.
ORDER
I therefore make the following order:
1) Media Monitoring Africa and SOS Support Public Broadcasting are granted leave to intervene as co-applicants in the proceedings under case number 51159/21;
2) The main applications and the applications in terms of Rule 6(5)(c) are dismissed;
3) The analogue switch-off date is deferred from 31st March 2022 to 30th June 2022;
4) Set-Top-Boxes for the 507 251 qualifying households registered by 31st October 2021 are to be installed by no later than 30th June 2022, with priority to be given to the installation of Set-Top-Boxes for the qualifying registered households located in the Free State, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces;
5) Set-Top-Boxes for the 260 868 qualifying households registered between 31st October 2021 and 10th March 2022 are to be installed by no later than 30th September 2022; and
6) e.tv is ordered to pay 50% of the costs of the first respondent and 100% of the costs of the second, third and sixth respondents on party and party scale including the costs of three counsel where employed
[1 March 2022]
MCMT Statement on completion of broadcasting digital migration process 28 February 2022
In a media statement published on 28 February 2022 The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies determined 31 March 2022 as the date for the final switch-off of the analogue signal and the end of dual illumination in South Africa.
The Minister is happy to report that:
- Sentech, the company delivering signal for SABC, has achieved full coverage (100%) using both terrestrial towers and satellites.
- Licensees who rely on other companies to distribute their signal (Multiplexes 1 and 2) have met the coverage requirements.
- Enough low-income families have registered for government help to receive set-top boxes, and installation is progressing well.
[1 February 2016]
A declaration of the performance period and start of the dual illumination period was gazetted by The Minister of Communications. The dual illumination period for the digital broadcasting signal in South Africa commenced on 1 February 2016. The end of the period is yet to be determined.
Full text:
I, Azwihangwisi Faith Muthambi, Minister of Communications, MP, hereby declare the commencement of the dual illumination period in terms of regulation 3(1) of the Digital Migration Regulations, 2012 published by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) under GN 1070 in Government Gazette 36000 of 14 December 2012.
KINDLY TAKE NOTICE THAT the commencement of the dual illumination period for the digital broadcasting signal in South Africa starts on 1 February 2016. However, the analogue switch-off date will be announced after consultation with Cabinet.
TAKE NOTICE FURTHER THAT 84% of the South African population is covered satisfactorily by the digital terrestrial signal and the remaining 16% is serviced via the digital satellite signal.
AND ALSO NOTE THAT the national rollout of government subsidised Set Top Boxes (STBs) has commenced and the digital broadcast channels have been made available by the broadcasters.
[29 March 2015]
Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy locked in: Minister releases final amendments.
Amendment of Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy 18 March 2015
[20 February 2014]
On February 18, 2014, the Department of Communications (DoC) presented a detailed briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Communications. The presentation outlined the department’s digital migration policy and the reasoning behind key decisions.
There’s a clear sense of urgency from the DoC. They acknowledge the project is over five and a half years behind schedule and emphasize the looming deadline set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of June 17, 2015.
DoC Presentation PPC 18 Feb 2014
[15 January 2014]
The Minister of Communications has released draft amendments to the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy. This policy, initially published in 2008 and updated in 2012, outlines the government’s strategy for transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting. The public comment period closed on January 6th, 2014.
Proposed Amendment of Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy (6 December 2013)
History:
Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy 2008 (8 September 2008)
Amendment of Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy (7 February 2012)
Amendment of Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy (17 February 2012)