No tv “black out” after June 17 deadline
The consequence for country’s who do not switch from analogue to digital signal is that they will not be protected against interference after the June deadline.
Communications Minister Faith Muthambi has assured the country that there will be no television “black out” beyond the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) deadline of 17 June 2015 to switch from analogue to digital broadcasting.
“While we are not going to meet the ITU deadline, we need to assure the nation that there will never be a black out after the June 17 deadline. However, we will no longer be protected from radio frequency spectrum interference,” said the Minister.
Over 156 countries signed an ITU agreement in 2006, to switch from analogue to digital transmission. The agreement set up a frequency plan for Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. All signatories committed to switch off analogue transmission by 2015.
The consequence for country’s who do not switch from analogue to digital signal is that they will not be protected against interference after the June deadline.
The Minister said government was not folding its arms regarding the process.
“We have already initiated a process of signing bilateral engagements with our neighbouring countries … we have already signed agreements of cooperation in mitigating cross border radio frequency spectrum interference,” she said.
Minister Muthambi said government has prioritised communities along the borders of the country for the distribution of set-top-boxes in order to mitigate any potential frequency spectrum interferences.
“We anticipate to expedite the rollout of set-top-boxes to be completed in the coming 18-24 months so that we can switch off analogue signal and begin to realise the benefits of digital dividend, to allow for the rollout of wireless broadband services,” she said.- SAnews.gov.za
