In an effort to ensure as many indigent households as possible access broadcast services, the government has extended the deadline for the complete switch-off from analogue to digital television.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies announced Cabinet’s approval to move the switch-off date from December 31 to March 31.

“Currently, approximately 467 000 indigent households, who are registered for government-provided set-top boxes, have not yet received them,” Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi said yesterday.

He acknowledged that the Broadcasting Digital Migration project has ‘dragged on for far too long’, costing the government R1.23b due to dual illumination, which involves simultaneous analogue and digital transmissions.

“This process is costly and cannot be sustained indefinitely, moreso at a time when the fiscus is under extreme pressure,” Malatsi added.

Between now and the new deadline, the government’s priority is to accelerate the delivery and installation of set-top boxes to indigent households. Broadcasters are urged to play a pivotal role in raising awareness and ensuring access to digital devices for free-to-air households.

“I appeal to all South Africans to help ensure we migrate those households still receiving analogue broadcasting transmission. We all have a role to play in transitioning the country towards digital broadcasting for better services, wider content, and entertainment,” Malatsi said.

To prevent further delays, Malatsi instructed the director-general to implement consequence management for any departmental failures.

“We have communicated this decision to broadcasters and stakeholders today, and their commitment is critical to the success of this programme,” he concluded, adding that the extension provides much-needed relief to ensure more South Africans are ready for the final switch-off. –SAnews.gov.za