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Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Mondli Gungubele, has announced a two-step process for the country's final migration from analogue to the digital spectrum.
Addressing a briefing on Wednesday, he said the government will immediately switch off analogue services above 694 MHz on the 31st of July, to release spectrum for other telecommunication use.
Minister Gungubele says Step Two seeks to temporarily accommodate some of the high populace areas below 694MHz, adding that the switch-off date for this step is 31 December next year.
The Minister says there is growing demand for high-speed connectivity, due to the evolution of technology, ical evolution, growing populations and capacity support.
"We live in an era where demand for high-speed connectivity has grown significantly, due to technological evolution, growing populations and capacity support."
"Spectrum and highspeed Telecomms are essential enablers required to support the growth of the ICT sector. It is public knowledge that the digital migration process is a national priority given its impact on the release of the high-demand spectrum," he said.
Minister Gungubele said it was also public knowledge that Spectrum has been auctioned to various companies to provide South Africa with faster, affordable and better quality services.
"The analogue switch-off is a critical step that enables resources spectrum and positions SA for next-generation technologies. By taking this next step we are making it possible for the companies that bought Spectrum to finally proceed with investment that can be undertaken," the Minister said.
