In September 2008, the Minister of Communications published the final digital migration policy, starting the process of migration from analogue to digital television. The authority 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, the authority started consultations on the broadcasting frequency plan which will be finalised before the end of August 2009.
Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders and the public on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) regulations, the authority has arrived at the following decisions:
* That the regulations retain the current dual illumination arrangement as set out in the ministerial policy on digital migration, issued in September 2008. However, the authority will consider advising the Minister to review the current dual illumination period, since commercial switch-on did not take place on 1 November 2008, as initially planned
* To allocate 100 percent of multiplex one to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Future capacity needs for public broadcasting should be addressed consistent with the pending review of public service broadcasting services as announced by the Minister in his budget vote address. Further, the regulations provide for 10 percent capacity in multiplex 1 to be set aside for Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in its licensed area in the Eastern Cape. TBN will migrate from multiplex one once a multiplex for community broadcasting has been created during or at the end of dual illumination period
* To allocate 60 percent of multiplex two to E-TV with the understanding that the broadcaster can apply for additional capacity at the end of dual-illumination period
* 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:
* 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 channel at the end of dual switch-over. At the end of hard switch-over, M-Net is required to switch off the frequencies previously allocated to CSN, thus enabling the authority to create a new multiplex to facilitate competition
* commence the process of freeing spectrum in the 790-862 MHZ which is required for broadband purposes
* Allow M-Net and e-TV to self provide or carry their own signal following their licensing for Electronic Communications Network Services(ECNS) consistent with section 63 of the Electronic Communications Act.
* The regulations also provide for the role of electronic communications network services (ECNS). ECNS services will be required to meet identified rollout targets, including acting as multiplex operators. These targets will most likely be reviewed subject to the change in the dual illumination period
* The regulations limit data provision to 15 percent of the allocated capacity to ensure that the available capacity is prioritised for the provision of television services
* The authority has, for the same reason, decided not to allow the provision of sound broadcasting services on the DTT multiplexes until after the introduction of an enabling regulatory framework for digital radio. In the meantime, sound broadcasting services can be provided for test purposes
* The regulations also establish the Joint Spectrum Advisory Committee (JSAC) which would co-ordinate frequency interferences during the dual illumination period. The existing broadcasting and ECNS services involved in digital migration will form part of the JSAC which will be chaired by ICASA. The JSCAC will conclude its activities at the end of the dual illumination period.
* 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.
The authority wishes to thank all stakeholders who participated in the consultative process.
Enquiries:
Sekgoela Sekgoela
Tel: 011 566 3455
Cell: 079 492 3450
E-mail: ssekgoela@icasa.org.za
Issued by: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
3 July 2009
Source: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (http://www.icasa.org.za/)
