The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has published a revised set of draft digital terrestrial television (DTT) regulations for another round of public consultation.
Stakeholders have until 30 July to present written submissions to ICASA. “In view of the urgency of finalising the regulations, the authority has decided it will not hold public hearings, and intends to finalise the DTT regulations by September 2012.”
ICASA says there are two main changes in the regulations around which the authority would especially like comment.
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The authority is proposing to use the second mobile digital terrestrial television multiplex as a third DTT multiplex during the dual-illumination period to accommodate new entrants; and to stimulate the uptake of DTT services, foster content and enhance consumer choice.
This move comes in response to the Amended Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy of 17 February, in which communications minister Dina Pule directs ICASA to explore how best to introduce new services and licensees, while ensuring the digital migration process gives priority to incumbent broadcasters.
The policy also expressed the minister's view that “the increased capacity and spectrum availability, given the introduction of DTT, provides an opportunity for the licensing of new pay television service providers in the short-term, and new free-to-air services in the medium- to long-term”.
ICASA would also like to test using original television content to encourage viewers to acquire set-top boxes; and to set minimum requirements for local television content on new digital television channels during the dual-illumination period.
The authority believes screening original content during prime time on new digital TV channels is essential to providing the stimulus for viewers to acquire set-top boxes and migrate to the DTT platform.
ICASA is also proposing the formation of a Digital Television Content Advisory Group to advise on the most effective ways to ensure the supply of digital television content to encourage consumers to acquire set-top boxes in order to begin viewing digital television services.
The Draft DTT Regulations and Explanatory Note can be found here.
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