The Communications Department on Thursday said that the demand for government subsidised set-top-boxes was on the rise.

“It is encouraging to see the growth in demand. The increase in registrations is a strong indication of the success of the migration project,” said Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.

“Awareness is growing day by day and people appreciate the tangible benefits that come with this process.”

The Department said in February 36 042 households registered for these decoders, compared to 11 709 in January.

The Northern Cape and Free State provinces have already gone through a set-top-box installation phase.

“This month the installation of set-top-boxes will resume in other borderline provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal,” said the minister.

The department said 18 analogue transmitters had been switched-off since October last year in the area surrounding the Square Kilometre Array in the Northern Cape.

“Digital terrestrial television services provide us with a rich opportunity to realise the vision of building a people-centred and inclusive information society,” said Muthambi.