Communications minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, briefed the media on the progress of the broadcasting digital migration BDM programme, including the rollout and installation of set-top box (STB) decoders
She said the set back in
the process have negatively affected the development of the ICT sector in the
country. Ntshavheni expressed that this has further delayed broadband
penetration across the country, in particular in rural and peri-urban areas.
During her last Briefing,
she announced the 30th of September 2022 as the final date for applications of
Government subsidized Set-Top Boxes. The broadcasting digital migration
programme ramped up public awareness programmes to ensure the digital migration
message reaches many South Africans wherever they are. This prompted them to adopted
a multi-prong and multichannel approach to drive the message South Africa citizens
regarding the broadcasting digital migration and the final date of applications
on the 30th of September
This comes after the Department of Communications was subjected
to months of court challenges and apprehension from its own entities about the
government's readiness to switch off the analogue broadcast signal for good. The
government has also undertaken to assist poor households that applied for STBs,
which are required to convert digital broadcasting signals on analogue TV sets.
Qualifying households − those with an income of R3 500 per month or less – are
required to register for these devices at their nearest SA Post Office branch. The department has
encouraged households to visit their nearest post offices to apply, or register
online to receive the free government decoder and installation.
by Everngelista Muza
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