SENTECH is a Schedule 3B State Owned Company (SOC) operating in the broadcasting signal distribution and telecommunications sector in terms of the SENTECH Act No 63 of 1996 (“SENTECH Act”) and the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005.
The company’s mandate, as articulated in the SENTECH Act, is to provide electronic communications network services in general, and, broadcasting signal distribution services in particular, for broadcasting licensees in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Electronic Communications Act.
In terms of Article 12.6 of the GE06 Agreement (Geneva Agreement – 2006: Regional Agreement on Digital Broadcasting), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) set a deadline of 17 June 2015 for broadcasters in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to complete the migration to digital broadcasting and thereby switch off the analogue transmitter grid. To this end, SENTECH has been appointed by the South African Government, through the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, to roll out the terrestrial transmission network.
Currently, SENTECH has completed the rollout of the digital terrestrial television network covering 84% and 58% of the national population and geography respectively. The company has also completed the first phase of the direct-to-home (DTH) satellite delivery system that will be used to enable access to digital television services in the geographic areas that are not covered by the terrestrial signal. The second phase of this DTH system involves the deployment of a “DTH-DTT compatibility system” that allows for more efficient use of satellite space segment in the distribution of digital television signals for both DTH and DTT reception.
With the completion of the rollout of the network, the company will be embarking on a process of extensive network testing, stabilization and optimization. In addition, the company will be working with the rest of the stakeholders that are involved in the national DTT project to ensure complete commercial availability and adoption of the digital television services and thereafter, the switch-off of the analogue television system. This will then pave the way for a further DTT to DTT migration which will then result in the much talked about digital dividend to be utilized for Broadband.
An opportunity exists for persons with appropriate skills, expertise and experience on implementation of digital terrestrial television at international level, coupled with the passion to add value and contribute to the DTT migration process in South Africa, to submit their applications to serve in the SENTECH DTT ad hoc Committee that has been established by the SENTECH Board to assist it in performing its functions with regard to DTT migration. Applications from interested persons must be submitted to SENTECH by no later than 31 July 2015.
The applications should consist of the following:
– A letter of application (comprising a maximum of two pages) explaining their reason for applying, and the value they believe they could add to SENTECH and the DTT ad hoc Committee.
– An abridged CV (comprising a maximum of three pages) highlighting their experience in their particular profession, and in implementation of DTT in particular at international level.
– Essential requirements: A relevant degree in telecommunications or ICT, at Master’s level at a minimum. Proven expertise and experience in the international implementation of DTT.
Key functions: Persons interested in this function and who are eminently qualified will be expected to advise the Committee on the following, among others:
Lessons learnt on DTT implementation globally; global trends and best practices on commercialisation of DTT services; technology and service trends and developments within the communication industry; monitoring the DTT programme in relation to all spheres of the business impacted by DTT; coordination and management of external stakeholders that are typically involved in a national DTT migration project.
Term of office and remuneration: The term of office of appointed candidates will be one year, after which it will be reviewed by the Board. SENTECH will cover the accommodation and travel costs. Remuneration will depend on skills and experience, among others, and will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
Applications must be accompanied by a detailed CV, inclusive of certified copies of qualification certificates and identity document, and forwarded to mathobelap@sentech.co.za.
Applicants not contacted/notified within three months of the closing date should consider themselves unsuccessful.
Staff Writer
