Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION Portfolio Committee 19 February 2008

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development OUTLINE  Case for Broadcasting Digital Migration in SA  Objectives of the Policy  Key policy decisions  Benefits & Challenges  Way Forward

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development WHAT IS DIGITAL BROADCASTING?  Broadcasting Digital Migration is the process of converting the broadcast of television and radio signals from analogue to digital technology.  It begins with the ‘switch-on’ of digital transmission signal and ends with the ‘switch off’ of analogue one.

Objectives of the BDM Policy (1)  To establish a policy environment within which digital migration is implemented;  To give effect to the decisions to implement digital migration within three year dual illumination period.  To provide guidance for the implementation of digital migration in SA within three year dual illumination and beyond.  To provide framework for designating DTT frequency networks to cater for public broadcasting, community broadcasting and commercial broadcasting as well as mobile broadcasting services

Objectives (2)  To provide a framework for the establishment of Digital Content Generation Hubs for the provision of local content.  To identify regulatory challenges and to make provisions for addressing them, including broadcasting signal distribution as well as co- assignment of frequencies for digital broadcasting.  To provide both social and economic benefits of broadcasting digital migration.  To provide for the establishment of body referred to as Digital Dzonga

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development CASE FOR BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION IN SA  South Africa made a commitment in line with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) resolution to switch-off analogue signal on 17 June  The Broadcasting Digital Migration process is consistent with the 2010 World Cup plans.  Digital broadcast technologies use scarce national frequency spectrum far more efficiently than analogue technologies

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development KEY POLICY PROPOSALS

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development 1. DIGITAL BROADCASTING SIGNAL COVERAGE  Cabinet approved that:  Switch-on of digital signal on 01 Nov 2008 and switch-off of analogue signal by 01 Nov 2011  State of the Nation address – Provide digital broadcasting to 50% of the population by the end of the year. Further, that a Manufacturing Strategy for the development of Set Top Boxes, in South Africa, would be finalised by the middle of the year.  National digital broadcasting signal coverage shall be achieved in a phased manner, aimed at reaching 80% population coverage by 2010 and close to 100% by 2011 enabling analogue switch- off

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development 2. DUAL ILLUMINATION PERIOD (1)  During transitional period two (2) national frequency networks will be designated for public; community as well as commercial broadcasting services.  The public broadcasting services shall cater for three (3) public regional television services as well as services prioritising education, health, youth, SMME and sports needs.  Adequate frequency networks with national coverage designated for the provision of mobile broadcasting services will be established based on open and non-discriminatory access principles to further achieve universal service and access.

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development DUAL ILLUMINATION PERIOD (2)  The common-carrier Electronic Communications Network Licensee shall be designated to manage the arrangements of DTT national frequency networks for the duration of the dual illumination period. Commercial broadcasters will have a choice to choose who which signal distributor to carry them.

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development 3. SET TOP BOXES (STBs)  STBs should be enabled to receive services from different platforms and operators.  STBs for free to air services will have standardised operating systems prioritising security features, and interoperability.  As a means to achieve universal service and access in digital broadcasting the entry level STB will be made affordable.  Furthermore, as part of contributing to job creation and South Africa’s global excellence in electro-manufacturing sector, the STBs shall be sourced primarily from South African manufacturers.

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development 4. LOCAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT  Establishment of digital content generation hubs aimed at generating content for the digital channels.  Broadcasting service shall continue to be provided taking into account “public interest” principle.  Access to public broadcasting services by all South Africans, regardless of their economic status, remains a fundamental principle that should continue to be upheld in the digital broadcasting era.  Local content quotas shall continue.  “Must carry” rules will continue.

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development 5. Implementation Mechanism  Minister established Digital Dzonga in her Budget Vote Speech in May 2007  Its mandate is to oversee the implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy in South Africa  It will be in place until 2015  Key among its functions are:  Consumer education and awareness  Develop and recommend appropriate standards  Manage a help desk for public support  Liaison with relevant stakeholders

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development BENEFITS OF BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION  Some of the benefits for migration are:  Efficient use of spectrum  Availability of more channels  Better quality and innovative digital terrestrial television (DTT) services including interactive and high definition television (HDTV)  Opportunity for local set top box manufacturing.  Building of national identity and social cohesion through content and applications development  Leadership in Africa, especially SADC in line with NEPAD objectives

Challenges  Short dual illumination period  Affordability of Set-Top-Box  Implementation

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development WAY FORWARD  Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy to be gazetted.  ICASA to develop the necessary regulation for implementing Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy in the country.  Digital Dzonga to develop and monitor the Implementation Plan.

Making South Africa a Global Leader in Harnessing ICTs for Socio-economic Development Thank you