Cabinet this week approved the ownership support rollout framework for set-top boxes (STBs) for poor households and also said it would pay for new antennas.
SA is migrating to digital television using the upgraded European DVB-T2 standard. However, about 10 million homes will need to buy decoders to continue to watch television.
Government has set aside R2.45 billion to subsidise 70% of the cost of a decoder for about five million households.
Cabinet also announced this week it would pay the full cost of outdoor and indoor antennae, and the installation costs associated with rolling out digital signals.
Bridging the divide
About 50% of the 10 million-odd households are expected to need new aerials to pick up the signal. However, there is no clarity as to what sort of antennae is required.
Cabinet said STBs have been identified as an important tool for public access to government information and services. “Government is, therefore, playing a critical role in bridging the digital divide in the country.”
In addition, Cabinet approved the STB manufacturing sector development strategy and agreed that ministers of communications, trade and industry and economic development would further consult on measures to ensure “localisation”.
“A government STB manufacturing industry partnership approach to develop this sector will form a good platform for the creation of a strong and globally competitive electronics manufacturing industry in SA, which is an objective of the Industrial Policy Action Plan. It will also spur job creation along the total digital migration value chain,” said Cabinet's statement.
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