Digital migration on track

By Damaria Senne, ITWeb senior journalist

Johannesburg, 20 Apr 2007

The Department of Communications does not expect to shift its deadlines for the finalisation and adoption of the digital migration strategy.

This is despite extending the deadline for ICT stakeholders to comment on the draft broadcasting digital migration strategy and implementation plan, from 5 April to 16 April.

The extension of the consultation process follows negative media reports regarding the potential impact of the migration process on the licensing of pay-TV operators.

The digital migration strategy recommends potential pay-TV licensees not be licensed until the migration for current broadcasters has begun.

This recommendation elicited outrage from a number of stakeholders, who said potential pay-TV licensees invested extensively in the bidding process, and delays would cost them additional money.

The Independent Communications Authority of SA says while it will not pre-empt the final digital migration strategy, it will proceed with the pay-TV licensing process.

Next step

Department of Communications spokesman Albi Modise says the department received 33 written comments on the draft digital migration strategy from a wide range of stakeholders in the telecoms and broadcasting industries.

The process of engagement garnered responses from broadcasters, broadcasting associations, telecommunication operators (fixed and mobile), content developers and producers, organised labour, non-governmental organisations and members of the public, he says.

"The department is satisfied it has engaged with stakeholders as widely as possible," says Modise.

The department is analysing all inputs received, he says, and will consolidate these to finalise the draft strategy this month. The strategy document will be tabled for Cabinet approval as soon as possible, depending on its programme, he notes.

The communications department previously stated it expects to launch the digital migration strategy in May. Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri also announced that a digital migration office, which is expected to drive the implementation plan, would be launched that month.

A campaign to educate members of the public about digital migration and how it will impact them will begin in May, Modise says.