Kekana to inspect broadcasting digital migration implementation

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Communications Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana will next week lead a two-day implementation inspection of Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM) and the roll-out of internet services at Thabo Mufutsanyana District Municipality in the Free State.

Kekana said the purpose of the visits is to identify and resolve any possible challenges in the implementation of BDM in the Free State.

“Free State is one of the provinces that were earmarked in the phased approach implementation of the BDM project. Other provinces will follow,” Kekana said.

BDM will deliver a range of potential benefits across the broadcasting value chain, which may result in improving the competitiveness of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in the multi-channel environment, including the diversity of content and channels provided on free-to-air (FTA) television platforms.

The SABC has already started to include new channels that will provide a new viewing experience to the citizens who rely on FTA services.

The initiative will also spur on growth in broadband and internet access throughout the country.

“Government is determined to complete this project speedily. This is in line with our priority to ensure that we are in a position to release the much-needed digital dividend spectrum,” Kekana said. 

Before visiting selected households to inspect the installation of government-subsidized decoders, the Deputy Minister will on Monday, 8 April have an interactive engagement with community members at Petsana Sports Ground in Reitz.

On Tuesday, Kekana will lead the department’s SA Connect programme, which will see a rollout of internet services at Bluegumbosch Secondary School in Qwaqwa, Justice Lefuma Primary School and Bluegumbosch Clinic in Phuthaditjhaba.

Through SA Connect, government is addressing the lack of affordable, high speed and quality bandwidth required by public institutions including clinics and public schools.

“By delivering internet and other related services, we are actively driving the country’s development and global competitiveness” Kekana said. – SAnews.gov.za