Universal Service Access Agency (USAASA) may lose set-to box project
Following the proclamation issued on the 4th of December 2014, which transfers certain functions in terms of the Electronic Communications Act and Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act (ICASA Act), a formal handover process between the Departments of Communications and Telecommunications and Postal Services was concluded on the 30th of January 2015.
One of the programmes handed over to Department of Communications (DOC) is the Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM). This programme requires public entities such as SENTECH, South African Post Office, Universal Service Access Agency (USAASA), ICASA and South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to collaborate in the implementation of various critical aspects of the programme. The Department of Communications as the lead department in the implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration programme, has clearly defined the roles of each entity in the programme implementation plan.
Whilst the department acknowledges that there have been processes undertaken by various key role-players prior to the finalisation of the recently amended BDM policy, it is important to state that certain aspects of these processes require detailed review in order to align them with the final gazetted policy of the 18th of March 2015. The comments made by the DTT Programme Head were made within this understanding and context.
Once again the Department calls upon all role players to do their part in ensuring swift implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration programme
Enquiries:
Donald Liphoko
Cell: 082 901 0766
