Altech, Ellies in DTT deal

Johannesburg, 23 Jul 2009

Allied Technologies subsidiary UEC has partnered with Ellies Holdings to provide a one-stop for consumer migration to digital terrestrial TV (DTT).

With just under a year before consumers can buy a set-top box (STB) and switch to digital, government and industry are fast gearing to get the solution into homes. Government this week announced the Digital Dzonga Advisory Council, which will oversee the migration process, and the Ellies-Altech partnership comes as no surprise to industry.

According to a statement by the companies, the distribution agreement is an extension of their 13-year relationship. “It began with the development of a successful deployment model for pay-television solutions in SA and throughout the African continent,” says Altech CEO Craig Venter.

Altech and Ellies say the long-term relationship will help to keep the cost to the consumer down. “Operational efficiencies and proven systems will result in lower prices to the consumer.”

The basics

“Ellies and Altech UEC have formed a partnership that will entitle Ellies to be the sole distributor of the DTT STBs manufactured by Altech UEC. The partnership involves the distribution and installation of the STBs, including after-sales services. The alliance will simplify and greatly improve SA's 'Go Digital' programme,” says Ellies CEO Wayne Samson.

The manufacturer will also appoint in excess of 1 000 small, medium and micro enterprises. “Not only do we get information, communication and technology to the very remote areas of SA, but we also get better viewing quality and the initiative frees up much-needed frequency spectrum within the ICT sector,” said Venter.

According to the statement, Altech UEC and Ellies plan to expand their partnership to include training centres to aid unemployed and disadvantaged individuals, through the Altech UEC Ellies Installer and Repair Academy. “These installer schools, set up around the country at Ellies branches, aim to train unemployed people in the installation of aerial and satellite systems, first level STB fault diagnostics and repair skills, and business and life skills.”

Samson says the aim is to expand the installer base to rural areas to help customers who are less likely to have access to the metro branch chains.

“Once established in their specific areas, the installers will receive continued support through the Ellies voucher system. STBs can be sold with a voucher entitling the purchaser to installation of the product by an Ellies approved installer. Additional benefit for the rural community will be to have local repair expertise in closer proximity to their homes,” adds Samson.