Analogue switch-off to boost internet speed, says govt
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies says the migration from analogue to digital technologies will allow for faster internet access in South Africa.
This after Minister Mondli Gungubele switched off the last analogue transmitter above 694 megahertz in Stellenbosch on Monday.
Last month, Gungubele announced a two-step approach to switch off analogue and end dual illumination.
The migration plans have been delayed for more than a decade with the government battling to implement the integrated broadcast digital migration from analogue.
The department's Tebogo Leshope says the switch-off will allow mobile telecommunications companies to access the high demand radio frequency spectrum which they bought on auction from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) last year.
“Last night we were releasing spectrums which positions telecommunications companies to access spectrums that were auctioned in March last year, to use it effectively to reach people out there. They are now able to launch the next generation technology, the likes of 5G where they are able to impact their citizens with fast and high speed broadband telecommunications.
“Secondly, we are hopeful and believe that the underserviced areas in the rural areas that have not been able to receive telecommunication services, will now be able to receive it.
“We do not want to fall behind as a country compared to other countries because a digitally transformed society has the advantage of getting more and better services compared to a society still based on analogue technologies."
The high population areas below 694MHz have been given a grace period until 31 December 2024.
Leshope says citizens who cannot afford to migrate by themselves can apply for a government subsidised set-top box at the post office.
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