Name of the Project
Digital broadcasting migration project.
Location
South Africa.
Client
The Department of Communications (DoC) and Sentech.
Project Description
Digital terrestrial television (DTT) is the implementation of digital technology to provide more channels and/or better picture quality and sound using a conventional television antenna or aerial, instead of a satellite dish or cable connection.
In 2005, State-owned enterprise Sentech announced its plans to roll out DTT using digital video broadcasting terrestrial (DVB-T) technology, in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Initially, there will be two DVB-T transmitters for each location or site.
The first phase of the project involves upgrading the Sentech broadcast network and duplicating the current analogue network channels on a digital system.
Most of the 220 sites needed to broadcast DTT to 92% of South Africa's population are in place, but have to be upgraded to become fully digital. Once that process has been completed, DTT and analogue systems will run simultaneously (a dual-illumination process) until South Africa is ready to switch off analogue transmission. This decision will be made by government.
Consumers will require a set-top box (STB) to decode the signal, even for public broadcasting and free-to-air channels. The STBs are expected to be subsidised.
Once the migration to DTT is complete, the country will no longer have exclusive use of the frequencies.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Value
The upgrade is expected to cost R4.3-billion.
Duration
Not stated.
Latest Developments
Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has appointed a broadcasting digital migration advisory council to advise on various issues on the DTT migration project.
These include the analogue switch-off plan, strategies to increase DTT uptake by households and to support the newly established, dedicated project management office (PMO), led by Aldred Dreyer.
“Key among the council’s immediate task is to, in collaboration with the PMO, advise the Minister on the analogue switch-over plan, including the countdown to the Free State’s switch-off by December 2018, as announced last month,” the DoC has said.
Leaders, representatives and executives from the departments of Trade and Industry and Telecommunications and Postal Services, as well as MTN, Sentech, Multichoice, Vodacom and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, besides others, have been appointed to the council.
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa councillor Nomonde Gongxeka-Seopa has been appointed the chairperson of the advisory council.
The other members of the advisory council include Dreyer, Nomsa Philiso, Norman Munzhelele, Percy Mathabela, Linden Petzer, Themba Kinana, Moses Mashisane, Tebogo Leshope, Thabo Makenete, Michael Markovitz and Sipho Mngqibisa.
The members of the advisory council will be in office until analogue switch-over has been completed in the country.
Further, Mokonyane plans to release the newly revised DTT delivery model to expedite the analogue switch-off within the next few weeks.
The DoC aims to table the delivery model, and expected switch-off date, with Cabinet for consultation.
The review of the model includes elements of partnerships and collaborations with industry; efficiency and affordability by building on existing infrastructure and distribution networks; inclusive participation; and transparency and accountability.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
After years of delay, the DTT project remains beset with numerous challenges inhibiting the full transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Contact Details for Project Information
DoC Mish Molakeng, cell +27 82 469 3997.
Sentech, tel +27 11 691 7000.