Digital TV set-top box rollout commences

27 January 2016 Editor's Choice News

Households in the SKA (Square Kilometre Array) area of the Northern Cape received Christmas presents in the form of free set-top boxes for digital terrestrial TV (DTT). Following the launch of the first decoders by the minister of communications, Faith Muthambi, to three households in Keimoes and three in Kakamas on 17 December, the SA Post Office (SAPO) commenced delivery of the first batch of 2000 units.

In a speech delivered at the launch, Muthambi stated “We have reached a significant milestone in the realisation of the implementation programme. It is where ordinary South Africans start to enjoy the benefit of the evolution of the television system in the country.” The week prior to this saw Cabinet approve the start of dual-illumination in the digital migration process.

“Today’s campaign places emphasis on connection,” Muthambi continued. “The South Africa Go Digital encourages everyone to embrace digital migration to move South Africa forward. The Broadcasting Digital Migration platform’s biggest selling point is that it offers more choice of programming, greater access and better quality while using less bandwidth.

“Our milestone signals that we are firmly on our path to achieving our digital migration goals. I encourage all those who qualify for free DTT devices to visit their nearest South African Post Offices to register so that they too can enjoy the benefits of this programme.”

Trevor Ndlazi, acting CEO of SAPO, urged all households in the SKA area to apply for a set-top box at their local post office. He said 2281 households in the area were due to receive an SMS from the SA Post Office requesting them to collect their set-top boxes from their nearest post office. The registration process also started in the Free State province on 1 December 2015.

South African households with a combined income of R3200 or less are eligible for a subsidised set-top decoder. As part of contributing to the local communities, local contractors will be enlisted to install the satellite dish and decoder. Extra counter staff will be employed at the SAPO outlets in the Free State and Northern Cape in order to provide efficient service. Ndlazi encouraged residents in these areas to apply as soon as possible to avoid a last-minute rush.

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