Communications minister Faith Muthambi is upbeat about the country's process of digital migration, saying the Department of Communications is fast nearing the switch on date for digital terrestrial television (DTT) in SA.
She says the DTT project team - which met last week to discuss issues surrounding lingering DTT delays - has already borne fruit.
Addressing the media on the issue of DTT today, Muthambi said she was pleased with progress she had seen from the DTT project team so far. "I am confident that as soon as we have received the approval of Cabinet, you will be the first to know. I will then be in the position to announce a switch on date of DTT in SA."
The digital migration process ground to a halt when the migration policy was sent to Cabinet, at the end of August, for final approval. Since then, there has been no news about its progress, as government reportedly deliberates set-top box (STB) standards, particularly in regard to controls and encryption.
'Galloping' ahead
Last week, the DTT team met in Pretoria, where Muthambi singled out digital migration policy and legislation as some of the main challenges delaying the project.
The second challenge, Muthambi noted, was whether to adopt a control access system for STBs. She added the issue of "control access or no control access will have a wide-ranging impact on the future of broadcasting, communications and on the majority of citizens in the country".
At the time, Muthambi also told the workshop that a massive awareness campaign would be launched across the country to get South Africans ready for the digital migration.
In terms of network readiness, the country is standing at 82%, while the broadcasting companies in the country, including the public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation, are ready with content.
Muthambi today reiterated the said challenges, but indicated progress had already been made since last week's meeting. "I invite you to watch and monitor this space as we gallop towards that momentous announcement."