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Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)

Notices

Policy Direction on the Introduction of Digital Sound Broadcasting in South Africa

2. Policy Direction

 

2.1 The Authority is hereby directed in terms section 3(2) of the Act to—
2.1.1 Determine priorities for the establishment of digital broadcasting networks and services in the frequency bands allocated for these services, to introduce DSB services alongside the existing analogue sound broadcasting, to achieve the following developmental goals:
2.1.1.1 universal services and access for all;
2.1.1.2 introduction of new entrants;
2.1.1.3 requirements of existing licensees;
2.1.1.4 requirements of consumers;
2.1.1.5 promotion of investment;
2.1.1.6 promotion of competition;
2.1.1.7 technology neutrality;
2.1.1.8 innovation;
2.1.1.9 sustainability framework;
2.1.1.10 maintain quality of service;
2.1.1.11 reducing costs; and
2.1.1.12 to increase the uptake and usage of digital radio.

 

2.1.2 Ensure that the three-tier system of public, commercial and community broadcasting services are catered for.

 

2.1.3 Take into account the lessons learnt in the analogue-to-digital migration coverage challenges experienced by the various tiers of televisionbroadcasting (public, commercial and community) within the existing two multiplexer Digital Terrestrial Television environment, and consider the introduction of additional terrestrial multiplexers to ensure that different business operational models are catered for.

 

2.1.4 Take into consideration the developments around the introduction of DSB in Africa, the SADC region and around the world.

 

2.1.5 Consider harmonisation within the SADC region and as such consider DSB standards adopted within the SADC community, in line with the resolution taken at the meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for Communications and ICT, held in Durban, South Africa on 4-7 September 2017.

 

2.1.6 Encourage market availability and use of multi-standard receivers to allow for the continued use of analogue FM alongside the variants of the digitalftechnologies, DAB and DRM.

 

2.1.7 Take into account the extensive trials undertaken by the South African broadcasting industry, as well as the SADC adopted position on digital sound technologies for the region, in line with the resolution taken at the meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for Communications and ICT in September 2017, and consider the following DSB standards to complement the respective analogue sound broadcasting services:
2.1.7.1 DRM30 to complement AM sound broadcasting service in the band 535.5-1606.5 kHz;
2.1.7.2 DRM+ to complement FM sound broadcasting services in the FM band 87.5-108 MHz; and in the allocated VHF sound broadcasting band 214-230 MHz.
2.1.7.3 DAB+ to complement VHF sound broadcasting services in the allocated VHF band 214-230 MHz;
2.1.7.4 All DAB and DRM variants of DSB standards to complement the existing analogue sound broadcasting in any other applicable sound broadcasting band within the confines of the prevailing radio frequency plan and consistent with ITU Radio Regulations for Region 1.