Government has resolved to adopt a two-step approach in implementing the analogue switch-off as part of the Broadcast Digital Migration programme.
"This approach is accepted to be a win-win approach that will enable analogue switch-off progress, release spectrum and allow key stakeholders to recover from post-COVID economic decline and the impact of load shedding," Minister of Communications and
The first step focuses on the immediate switch-off of analogue services above the 694MHz band to release spectrum for other telecommunications use. The set date for this step is
Government will also temporarily accommodate some of the high population areas below 694MHz and switch-off within a given period. The set date for this step is
Addressing media in
"The analogue switch-off is a critical step that enables release of spectrum and positions
Government has been switching off the analogue network countrywide, with M-Net switching off all their 84 sites, while the
eTV has switched off 30 of their 84 sites across the country.
"The two-step approach will address the remaining sites, and we are planning to immediately clear 51 transmitters above 694MHz. This is inclusive of cross-border sites that may cause interference with neighbouring countries. We will thereafter progressively switch off all remaining sites towards the final analogue switch-off date, as set in step two.
"The Department [of Communications and
The primary objective of digital migration is to clear the radio frequency spectrum currently occupied by broadcasters to enable the provision of wireless mobile broadband services and other innovative applications.
Set-top boxes (STBs) or decoders will be used in the transition to enable free-to-air broadcasting services to migrate from analogue to digital television.
Registration and installation of set-top boxes
Since the beginning of the STBs registration process in 2015, about 1.5 million applications have been received for government-subsidised STBs.
These numbers include the number of registrations for the extended period of July to
"We have been monitoring applications that were received after the
"We cannot leave anyone behind and have resolved to support those who registered after the
Government plans to provide registered households with STB installations through to the end of this project, in alignment with the available budget.
"We are currently driving installations in the provinces where we will be undertaking analogue switch-off. We are measuring our STB installation progress per location and where we will undertake switch-off. The majority have received STB installations," Gungubele said.
Public awareness on digital migration
Throughout the implementation of the programme, public awareness programmes have been conducted through multiple platforms to ensure the digital migration message reaches South Africans, irrespective of location.
"A multipronged and multichannel approach to drive the message was adopted at SABC radio stations, community radio stations, SABC television channels and via scroll messages on television broadcast.
"We continue to deploy teams on the ground across provinces to educate people about digital migration, drive registrations and STB installations.
"SALGA [
"The public is also informed about the programme on social media platforms of the department, entities, municipalities and the public individuals that we regard as ambassadors of the television broadcasting revolution.
"We will continue to intensify our awareness campaign going forward through a focused and impactful awareness campaign. We will work jointly with broadcasters to elevate the digital migration awareness campaign," the Minister said.
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