Analogue switch-off set for July 31 - Gungubele
Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubelele says the nationwide television analogue switch-off date has been set for July 31.
The government has been battling to implement the integrated broadcast digital migration from analogue.
Gungubele says the switch-off will be done in two steps, with the first step being the services above the 694MHz band to release spectrum for other telecommunications.
The high population areas below 694MHz have been given a grace period until 31 December 2024.
Gungubele addressed the media in Pretoria on Wednesday.
"A two-step approach towards analogue switch-off is deemed to be a viable approach for the industry. 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 load shedding impact."
According to the minister, M-Net has switched off its 84 sites, eTV has switched off 30 of its 84 sites, and the SABC has switched off analogue in five provinces, namely, the Free-State, Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
"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," he added
"We will thereafter progressively switch off all remaining sites towards the final analogue switch off date as set in step two."
Gungubele reiterated that indigent households that cannot afford the new set-top boxes will be accommodated in the digital migration.
"We cannot leave anyone behind and have resolved to support those who registered after the 30 September 2022 deadline until such time that we have fully migrated the country to digital.
"We are measuring our STB installation progress per location and where we will undertake Switch Off. The majority have received STB Installations.
Gungubele said they have teams on the ground to conduct public awareness campaigns.
"We continue to deploy teams on the ground across provinces doing community activations to educate people about digital migration, drive registrations and STB installations."
"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," he added.
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