Between the requirements of the Department of Communications (DoC), SABC, and Sentech, the budget shortfall for South Africa\u2019s digital migration project is R7-billion.<\/p>\n
This is according to deputy director-general of the DoC, Themba Phiri, who was speaking to the Select Committee for Labour and Public Enterprises last week (15 August 2012).<\/p>\n
The digital migration project aims to move South Africa\u2019s terrestrial television broadcasts from using analogue signals, to digital terrestrial television (DTT).<\/p>\n
Among the benefits of this migration is the freeing up of radio frequency spectrum used by broadcasters. This has been earmarked for wireless network operators to offer broadband services.<\/p>\n
Viewers that depend on Sentech\u2019s terrestrial broadcast received through a normal roof antenna or \u201cbunny ears\u201d will need a set-top box (STB), and in some cases a new antenna, to continue watching TV.<\/p>\n
Phiri said that R940-million had been ring-fenced at the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa to subsidise STBs for the poorest South Africans. However, an additional R2.635-billion in subsidies was needed.<\/p>\n
This is despite STBs being just over 40% cheaper than expected.<\/p>\n
In their presentation to the committee, the DoC said that there is a budget shortfall of R800-million for its DTT awareness campaign.<\/p>\n
Combined with the SABC\u2019s technology upgrade and Sentech\u2019s dual illumination requirements<\/a>, the total budget shortfall is R7-billion, Phiri said.<\/p>\n