Thursday, 17 December 2015
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
SENTECH Enables Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)
SENTECH, the state-owned broadcasting signal distributor, has been mandated by the South African government to build and roll out the national DTT network. We were subsequently appointed by licensed South African broadcasters to operate the DTT commercial network.
In partnership with other state owned entities involved in the Broadcast Digital Migration (BDM) project, the Minister of Communications, Ms. Faith Muthambi will deploy the first batch of government subsidised Set-Top-Boxes (STB’s) in the communities of Keimoes and Kakamas, in the Northern Cape on 17th December 2015.
SENTECH concluded its DTT infrastructure installation process of 178 transmitter stations nationwide in February 2015 and offers Direct-To-Home (DTH) broadcasting infrastructure as a gap filler for SKA areas and other areas along the country to ensure 100% digital television access for all South African audiences. This state of readiness will support the phasing out of analogue signals at different phases beginning with the Northern Cape and Free State region. The roll out of DTT signal will follow a phased approach with Mpumalanga and a part of the Kwa Zulu Natal province set to be in phase two of the government subsidised STB registration and installation process.
The migration from analogue to digital television is a major event in South Africa’s history. DTT presents more opportunities for broadcasters in terms of content proliferation, more channel options for all TV audiences and an alternate revenue stream in SENTECH’s broadcasting signal distribution services. “It is an honour for SENTECH to be a part of this milestone event and we remain committed to ensuring that we provide a stable and robust digital television network for South Africa’s households,” says SENTECH’s CEO, Mr Mlamli Booi.
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Issued by:
SENTECH - CORPORATE COMMUNCATIONS OFFICE
Enquiries:
Mpho Maseko / / 082490 7956
Department of Communications (DoC)
Mish Molakeng / / 082469 3997
About SENTECH
SENTECH, a South African State Owned Company (SOC) is the premier provider of electronic communications network services to the country’s broadcasting and communications industry. We provides broadcast transmission services to SABC, eTV, MNet, Community Broadcasters, and over 150 Radio Stations country wide on a daily basis. Our infrastructure and data communications platforms also provide services to South Africa’s telecoms sector and mobile providers. SENTECH is mandated by the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) to drive the migration of the country’s broadcasting services from Analogue to Digital. We have implemented world class Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and a universal access Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite platform service to ensure access to Digital Television for the country’s people. Our DVB-T2 network will replace the current analogue infrastructure when Analogue Switch Off is announced by Government. To date, the DTT network successfully covers 100% of country’s population through 84% reach via the DVB-T2 terrestrial network and the remaining 16% via the Satellite DTH network. SENTECH is now focused on developing and rolling out open-access multiscreen platforms that will enrich SA’s digital content distribution industry.