The first batch of government subsidised set-top boxes (STBs) were distributed on Thursday in the the communities of Keimoes and Kakamas, in the Northern Cape, ‘deployed’ by communications minister, Faith Muthambi.
In a statement, state-owned broadcasting signal distributor, Sentech, said it had been mandated by the South African government to build and roll out the national DTT network and was also appointed by licensed South African broadcasters to operate the DTT commercial network.
Sentech said it had concluded its DTT infrastructure installation process of 178 transmitter stations nationwide in February 2015 and now offers Direct-To-Home (DTH) broadcasting infrastructure as a gap filler for SKA areas and other areas along the country to ensure 100% digital television access for all South African audiences.
“This state of readiness will support the phasing out of analogue signals at different phases beginning with the Northern Cape and Free State region. The roll out of DTT signal will follow a phased approach with Mpumalanga and a part of the Kwa Zulu Natal province set to be in phase two of the government subsidised STB registration and installation process,” it said.
“It is an honour for SENTECH to be a part of this milestone event and we remain committed to ensuring that we provide a stable and robust digital television network for South Africa’s households,” says CEO, Mlamli Booi.
