A way forward or ten steps back? Digital migration, a migraine for some

The Gauteng High Court has ruled in favour of concluding the delayed broadcast to digital migration. This means that if you are part of the households using an aerial to watch television and do not switch to modern digital television transmission on September 30, you will have nothing to watch but a snowy screen. In order to have something to watch, households will have to connect their TV sets to set top boxes (satellite dish or smart TVs) to be able to access the digital signal.

The reasoning for the proposed digital migration according to an article by the SABC is, “The migration will allow the radio frequency spectrum to be freed up for mobile broadband services,” which gives network providers ample room to offer more deals to the public. Furthermore this could give all South Africans that “push” to enter the digital era.

In a media briefing Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni informed the public that not only has the South Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of concluding the digital migration but there is a finalised date when households that qualify can register for the set top boxes. While some households have the luxury of DStv or smart TVs, for some households unfortunately it will be more difficult than others.

The Northsider took to the streets of Roodepoort and asked the community for their views regarding this matter. Charma du Plessis said it is a step back for South Africa. “Those in poverty who can’t afford satellite dishes or smart TVs and rely on free-to-air channels for news, education and entertainment will now lose access to important media.” She continued by emphasising that those who live in poverty do not have TV licenses which would mean that they do not even qualify for the government-funded set top boxes. “How are they (government) going to provide dishes or smart TVs to those below the poverty line is the question that should be asked.”

Elton Mpholokeng agreed that it is a good strategy; however he said that it seemed that the South African government was blind to the inequalities that the nation is faced with, and said, “What happens to old ladies who live in underdeveloped homes such as the Princess informal settlement? The older people who rely on the ancient aerials to watch the news or television, who will educate them on how to use and manoeuvre their way around the various channels?”

There is still a lot of confusion surrounding the decision of digital migration; however, what is clear is that the government is adamant to push forward with the decision to migrate. The official date for the proposed national digital migration is September 30.