With another new deadline set for South Africa’s long-awaited migration from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT), Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has set up an advisory committee to accelerate the project.
In line with this, she has engaged key stakeholders, including broadcasters and mobile operators, at a July meeting to fast-track the DTT process, with one outcome being the formation of the digital migration advisory committee, driven by government and industry players.
“It was agreed that the committee will develop a comprehensive project plan indicating timelines and resources required,” she said, adding that the names of members of the advisory committee from industry players had been received by the Department of Communications (DoC).
The team is expected to meet soon to consider the project plan that will see the finalisation of the DTT process by December 2018.
“I have full appreciation of the impact that the digital migration project is set to have in the economy of this country. I, therefore, have no intention to delay the process, Dlodlo said.
Meanwhile, the Minister had further meetings with industry players that have pledged financial support, the details of which would be made public soon.
The DoC is currently working with the Free State government on the DTT roll-out focusing on district municipalities such as Lejweleputswa, Matjhabeng, Nala, Tswelopele, Tokologo and Masolonya.