The Portfolio Committee on Communications welcomes the launch of Freevision, which it says is a significant milestone in the country’s digital migration process. The Committee especially applauds national signal distributor Sentech for taking the lead in conceptualising this technology platform, which will usher the broadcasting industry into the digital era through satellite transmission.
These sentiments were shared by the Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane, at the launch in Sandton on 30 September 2013. He said, “Twenty years into our democracy, one notes with comfort that the country has taken a giant leap in terms of universal access to broadcasting services, affordability of broadcasting services, ensuring an inclusive society and lastly, interoperability of technology platforms. The Freevision platform also represents the digital multimedia future in that the platform enables the transmission of data-based services and e-Government services.”
Freevision addresses the permutations contained in the 1996 Triple A Inquiry, 1998 White Paper on Broadcasting Policy and the recent Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy. In this regard, Freevision will ensure universal access to broadcasting services in an affordable, open-access and interoperable manner. More importantly, the 16% of the population that will be unable to access digital television terrestrially as a result of geographical limitations will access free-to-air television and public radio stations through the platform. Some of these communities will be receiving television and radio services for the first time.
“This is an important milestone in the industry, as we can now talk of 100% geographic and population coverage of broadcasting services,” Mr Kholwane added.
According to Sentech, Freevision will be available in stores from 25 November 2013, retailing at a once-off cost of R1 350, which includes the satellite dish, decoder and installation. The platform will commence with 38 television channels and 18 radio stations.
For enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Faith Kwaza (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8062
Cell: 072 122 0371
E-mail: fkwaza@parliament.gov.za
