Here’s why millions of homes could be without TV

1 Views

South Africans still using analogue television have been warned to do the necessary before the digital migration deadline.

Another deadline was set to accommodate homes that still hadn’t done the required switch. South Africans have again been urged to register for the set-top box or decoder. Here’s all you need to know regarding the digital migration deadline.

THE BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION

South Africa first made the decision to switch from analogue to digital television in 2006. According to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the Broadcasting Digital Migration was supposed to have been completed over a decade ago.

Their website states: “In 2006, South Africa acceded to the ITU Regional Agreement in Geneva 2006 (GE06) that determined that Region 1 countries must migrate from Analogue Television to Digital Television by 17 of June 2015.”

However, this deadline has been extended numerous times over the years. The main reason the department states is due to delays. They are in implementing the switch and ensuring all homes affected are moved to digital television.

NEW DEADLINE TO MIGRATE

The current deadline for digital migration is 31 March 2025. Speaking on The Lead with Shahan Ramkisson on 13 January 2025, Minister of Communications Solly Malatsi said they want to ensure no South African is left without access to TV.

Malaysia further said: “There have been shortcomings on behalf of the delivery and performance of the government for some time. We are going to use this period between now and March, and we have already begun.

“Our figures estimate that there are currently over 400 000 beneficiaries who have registered to get set-top boxes that we need to make sure that they are provided those set-top boxes and the installations take place.”