e.tv to challenge STB control provisions
Free-to-air broadcaster e.tv is set to challenge Communication Minister Faith Muthambi’s decision over a control system for the government’s subsidised set-top boxes (STBs).
The broadcaster on Tuesday said it would submit to the Gauteng High Court to have aspects of the Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM) policy reviewed.
The policy, the amended version of which was gazetted in March, outlined new policy plans for government to adopt a control system for the 100%-subsided STBs it would provide to five-million of South Africa’s poorest households.
e.tv requested that the provision stating that the subsidised STBs would not have the capability to encrypt broadcast signals be set aside and that the provision wherein the STB control system was nonmandatory be amended.
COO Mark Rosin said in a statement that the company aimed to ensure the freedom to decide whether to encrypt its own broadcast signals – a choice that was prevented by the policy.
“In one provision, the Minister purports to allow broadcasters the right to make their own decisions on the question of encryption. But in another adjacent provision, the Minister renders this right entirely nugatory and meaningless by stating that the five-million government-subsidised STBs shall not have the capability to encrypt,” Rosin explained.
“e.tv considers it essential that it be able to encrypt its broadcast signal primarily because this would prevent noncompliant STBs from receiving digital broadcast signals, thereby ensuring a uniform and reliable viewer experience.”
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