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The Portfolio Committee on Communications held discussions for two days (20 - 21 September) to get an update on the state of readiness on Digital Migration (DM) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) from the stakeholders that are involved in the project.

Those present before the committee were the department of Communications (Doc), Trade & Industry (DTI), the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), broadcasters and manufacturers.

During the briefing sessions the Department of Communications confirmed that the plan was still on track to launch DTT by April next year. The Department informed the Committee that the Digital Migration Policy Amendments were gazetted for public comment on August 19 and the process had to be completed before the end of this year. ICASA told members that it also planned to repeal the DM regulations and publish DTT regulations for public comment.

Chairperson of the committee Mr. Eric Kholwane raised concern about the coming public participation progress and amendment of regulations. “I hope Icasa does not find themselves in a situation of having to delay the launch date of DTT because operators get into a process of litigation”, Mr Kholwane said.

The Committee called on the Department of Communication, Icasa and SABS to facilitate the process by meeting their set targets, because this was the foundation required by broadcasters to prepare for the launch.

The Committee was pleased to hear that most of the stakeholders in the manufacturing sector are ready for digital migration if all goes according to the plans - policy and regulatory.

Members questioned the affordability of a Set Top Box (STB) to ordinary South Africans who live below the breadline. The committee welcomed the proposed 70% subsidy for a set top box for those in need and steps that were planned to assist people living with disabilities, such as subtitling and supers describing background sound.

The Committee encouraged Doc to continue engaging other government departments and entities to ensure minimisation of costs where possible for instance the establishment of a conformance lab. Members warned and requested Dti to take necessary steps to curb the possible dumping of analogue television sets to the country, which might later contribute to ewaste.

Public Participation must be the guide for finalisation of the framework for digital migration, protection and promotion of local content, protection of the viability of the public broadcasting services according to Electronic Communications Act objectives.

The process must benefit historically disadvantaged communities including Blacks, Coloureds and Indians as the primary beneficiaries in job skills transfer and manufacturing opportunities, and right through the value chain.

Kholwane said, “We are mindful that one of the major players in this process Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa has not presented their plan, to this end the Committee will endeavour to create time in the fourth quarter.