Question no: 927
Ms J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) With reference to the implementation of digital broadcasting, what is the (a) current status of the project, (b) estimated date of final implementation, (c) estimated final cost of the project and (d) the estimated operation costs associated with dual illumination;
(2) whether broadcasters will be liable for payment to Sentech to transmit digital data during the dual illumination period?
Reply:
(1)(a) Following the switch on of the signal on 30 October 2008, which marked the beginning of the dual illumination period in SA, Sentech is currently implementing phase four of the project to achieve 63,3% population coverage by 31 March 2010, subject to the finalisation of the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Spectrum Plan by Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and the implementation of the DTT Regulations.
In addition, the Digital Dzonga was formally launched in July 2009. A pilot project to test the readiness of the broadcasting system is currently underway. The Set-Top-Box (STB) Manufacturing Sector Development Strategy to encourage local manufacturing of STBs was gazetted for public comments. Similarly, the Local and Digital Content Development Strategy, which aims at unlocking the potential of the content industry, were gazetted for public comments. The draft STB Scheme for Ownership Support has been finalised for submission to Cabinet.
(b) The estimated date of final implementation is 1 November 2011.
(c) Due to the complexity it would be difficult to estimate the final cost of the project.
(d) The estimated operations costs associated with dual illumination (for two multiplexes with six channels each) is R918 million.
(2) The broadcasters will not be liable for payment to Sentech to transmit digital data during the dual illumination period.
Issued by: Department of Communications
8 September 2009
