The state-owned telecommunications operator Sentech says the digitisation of the television broadcasting signal distribution network should be upgraded and available by 2010.
This follows Finance Minister Trevor Manuel`s announcement during his recent medium term budget speech that government will provide capital for the digitisation of the TV broadcasting infrastructure to Sentech.
Sentech spokesman Pranill Ramchander says Sentech requested capital of about a billion rand from government to upgrade and digitise the television broadcast network.
"We are still awaiting the final amount from government and we can`t confirm whether we will be given the billion rand we requested. From then on we will be able to start the process of upgrading from an analogue to a digital system," says Ramchander.
He says the upgrade will drive SA into the modern age of broadcasting, bringing it in line with international trends and enable the country to meet its requirements in broadcasting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup tournament to the rest of the world."
Ramchander says to meet this challenge, urgent attention will be given to policy frameworks, licensing conditions and funding to ensure that very strict timelines are met.
He says the other benefits of upgrading from an analogue to a digital broadcasting infrastructure include combining traditional television with multimedia applications to enhance the consumer`s experience.
"The upgrade of the infrastructure also means better viewing and more choice in terms of channels for the consumers," says Ramchander.
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