SA regulator paves way for digital, mobile TV

THE Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has concluded the regulatory process required for migration from analogue to digital television.

ICASA reached a decision to allocate 100 percent of multiplex 1 to the South African Broadcasting Corporation while adding that Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in its licensed area in the Eastern Cape will migrate from multiplex 1 once a multiplex for community broadcasting has been created during or at the end of dual illumination period.

The organization allocated 60 percent of multiplex 2 to E-TV with the understanding that the broadcaster can apply for additional capacity at the end of dual-illumination period.

ICASA said it had decided to create an additional multiplex for M-Net, subject to the broadcaster conducting a hard switch-over, within twelve months. This intervention seeks to amongst others, to create additional capacity to facilitate the licensing of a competitor to M-net at the end of the hard switch-over. In preparation for the introduction of competition to M-Net, M-net will initially be allocated 50 percent of its multiplex and can only apply for additional channels at the end of dual switch-over.

“The conclusion of the regulatory process will also pave way for the finalisation of the Broadcasting Frequency Plan, and the licensing of mobile television services before the end of the calendar year, 2009, well ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” said spokesperson Sekgoela Sekgoela.

He added that ICASA has decided not to allow the provision of sound broadcasting services on the DTT multiplexes until the regulatory framework for digital radio is finalised. In the meantime, sound broadcasting services can be provided for test purposes.

In September 2008, the Department of Communications published the final digital migration policy, starting the process of migration from analogue to digital television.

ICASA responded to the Ministerial policy with the publication of the first draft regulations for public comment in October 2008. The second draft was issued in March 2009 for further public consultation. At the same time, ICASA started consultations on the broadcasting frequency plan which will be finalised before the end of August 2009.