In what the free-to-air broadcaster sees as a big step forward in migrating to digital terrestrial television (DTT), etv has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sentech to carry the signal.
Etv has half of a digital multiplex in terms of the regulations issued in December 2012 by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), which will enable it to launch multiple new channels.
CEO Marcel Golding says: "We are pleased to have entered into this MOU with Sentech. Sentech has invested significantly in the national DTT rollout and has developed a considered vision for the future of free-to-air television on all platforms.
"This MOU ensures we are able to move quickly to launch our new channels when the performance period for digital migration is announced."
Sentech CEO Dr Setumo Mohapi says the agreement is a "significant" milestone in terms of South Africa's Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy.
"The industry is now a step closer to ensuring the country will meet the commitments it made to the International Telecommunication Union to switch-off analogue television broadcasting services by June 2015."
Etv currently uses Sentech to provide national terrestrial distribution of its existing analogue channel. The analogue transmission of the main etv channel will continue during the dual illumination period until all television households have migrated to the digital platform, allowing the analogue service to be switched off.
Although the Department of Communications expects to launch digital television in what remains of this year, no firm date has been set and some issues have yet to be resolved.
Digital television was meant to turn on almost a year ago, but was delayed by a court battle over conditional access. The set-top box control encryption system is meant to protect the local decoder market, and prevent theft of boxes.
Etv took former disgraced communications minister Dina Pule to court over her decision to appoint Sentech to handle the issue of conditional access. The free-to-air broadcaster won its bid and the department later dropped its appeal against the ruling.
While the department has indicated conditional access may no longer be a requirement for the five million boxes it will subsidise, etv and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) are moving ahead with a tender for controls, after the court ruled the broadcasters should handle the matter.
The process is currently at the SABC, which has not responded to numerous requests for information as to when a service provider will be appointed.
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