Faizel Patel – 12/02/2021
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will begin the phased switch-off of analogue TV transmitters from March.
Ramaphosa made the announcement during his fifth state of the nation address on Thursday.
The country’s digital migration process has suffered many delays, missing the June 2015 deadline set by the International Telecommunication Union for completion of the process.
The president says the completion of digital migration is vital to the country to effectively harness the enormous opportunities presented by technological change.
“After many delays, we will begin the phased switch-off of our analogue TV transmitters from next month. It is anticipated that this process, which will be done province-by-province, will be completed by the end of March 2022.”
Ramaphosa also said the process for the licensing of high demand spectrum is at an advanced stage.
“We hope that the ongoing litigation on the licensing matter will provide legal certainty and will not unduly delay the spectrum auction process.”
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) published the long-awaited and frequently delayed invitations to apply (ITAs) for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum and the Wireless Open Access Network but faces legal challenges from some mobile operators.
Ramaphosa also spoke about SA Connect, a programme to roll out broadband to schools, hospitals, police stations and other government facilities.
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