The ball is finally rolling on the manufacture of set-top boxes (STBs) in South Africa. Following a lengthy investigatory period and unexpected delays, tender documents are now available from the Department of Communication (DoC).
According to spokesperson for the DoC, Siya Qoza, the Department has set 31 August 2012 as the deadline for prospective STB manufacturers to submit their tender documents to the DoC.
“Following these submissions, a team will review all documentation and, based on certain criteria around quality of products, available manufacturing facilities and capacities, we will make a decision on the qualifying companies. We are keen to identify new players in the market and, in line with the Government’s mandate, we will give preference to those companies that are BBBEE compliant,” said Qoza.
“It is contingent upon the potential bidders to prove their manufacturing competency levels,” he added.
According to Qoza, it will be necessary for all TV owners to have an STB in the future. Progress stops for nobody and with a deadline for the conclusion of the switchover from analog to digital set for 17 June 2015, the race is on to supply an estimated 5 million households with an STB. The switchover process will be in full swing by December 2012.
Qoza explained that the basic STBs will retail for approximately R700. “We are working together with other Government agencies and bodies to ascertain those households that qualify as ‘needy’. Once identified, these households will receive a 70% Government subsidy towards the purchase of their STB. The distribution of these STBs will take place through the South African Post Office network.
“Other people who are not identified as ‘needy’ will be able to purchase their STB off the shelves of major chain stores and outlets,” Qoza concluded.
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