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On Friday 5 May, 2017, Minister of Communications, Ayanda Dlodlo, announced a new policy in support of encryption on the government subsidised set top boxes to be used for digital migration.

The SACF welcomes the fresh approach adopted by Minister Dlodlo. We believe this may unlock the deadlocked situation that has been in courts since 2013 thus delaying digital migration and contributing to South Africa missing the important 17 June deadline 2015 for all countries in Region 1 of the ITU to have completed their digital migration. The SACF Chairperson noted “The decision taken by Minister Dlodlo means faster access to the Digital Dividend – the primary goal of digital migration.

The legal case heard in February is now awaiting the Constitutional Court’s decision. Further we believe the Minister’s decision will help expedite the release of the important high dividend spectrum that will enable South Africa to achieve less costly mobile broadband. Lack of policy clarity in the sector has stymied growth and resulted in job losses and plant closures of South African electronic manufactures. As such, any decision to move closer to resolution and clarity is welcome.

The SACF is ready to work with Minister Dlodlo in attaining the objectives of digital terrestrial television migration as articulated in government policies.

Issued by South African Communications Forum