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Pay-TV to proceed

Kirsten Doyle
By Kirsten Doyle, ITWeb contributor.
Johannesburg, 17 Apr 2007

Despite recommendations that the awarding of pay-TV licences be suspended until the digital migration strategy is finalised, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) says the process will not be delayed.

Contrary to several recent media articles suggesting differently, the authority will continue with the process of licensing operators for commercial satellite and cable subscription broadcasting services, as planned, says Sekgoela Sekgoela, manager, media and stakeholders liaison at ICASA.

"The digital migration strategy is a draft and not finalised. ICASA does not wish to pre-empt the outcomes of this process," he adds. The procedure will be finalised and presented this week.

Recent press articles show confusion surrounds the pay TV licensing course of action that ICASA has begun, as well as the digital migration strategy process.

"ICASA does not wish to pre-empt the process relating to the digital migration strategy," adds Sekgoela. "But ICASA will continue to oversee the pay TV licensing process."

Today is the final day for stakeholders to comment on the digital migration strategy.

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