The Department of Communication's strategic plan for 2011 to 2014 highlights digital migration as a key priority, among five other important strategies.
The industry is waiting for guidance from communications minister Roy Padayachie on several issues that must be resolved before SA can migrate from analogue television to digital broadcast.
Padayachie is expected to provide clarity about a number of key issues during his budget vote, likely to take place next month. Among the aspects that still need to be resolved are how the set-top box subsidy will work, and the draft set-top box manufacturing strategy.
The department's strategy says a key priority is the implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy, which focuses on various elements that are critical to the successful migration of digital broadcasting.
The Department of Communications says critical aspects for digital migration's success include Cabinet approval of the set-top box manufacturing strategy, as well as a scheme for ownership support to ensure poor citizens receive subsidised set-top boxes.
The department wants to implement an action plan to enable small and medium companies to benefit from digital migration by the 2011/12 financial year.
In addition, a local and digital content development strategy is seen as an important aspect of digital migration. Moving to digital television will open up more spectrum for additional television channels, which will provide opportunities for local content development.
Share