The DA has welcomes the announcement by Communications Minister Roy Padayachie that SA will adopt the DVB-T2 standard for digital migration.
“This announcement has ended several months of speculation and uncertainty in the broadcasting industry, following the former minister Siphiwe Nyanda's sudden U-turn last year on the already gazetted policy position on the adoption of the DVB-T standard,” party MP Natasha Michael said in a statement.
“We trust that this decision will restore confidence in the department of communications following the disastrous tenure of Nyanda.”
The party believed it was “of utmost importance” that South Africa modernised both its broadcasting and telecommunications sector, in line with international best practice.
“If the field of communications is developed to its full potential, it has great potential to enhance educational, business and other life opportunities, as well as creating employment. DVB-T is considered the most advanced digital terrestrial migration system and most widely adopted across the world,” she said.
Adopting its successor, DVB-T2, would revolutionise South Africa's broadcasting industry and create employment.
Michael said it was concerning that Padayachie had pushed back the date for the switch-over from analogue to digital television from November 2011 to December 2012.
The DA intended asking parliamentary questions to determine the reasons for the delay and the associated costs. - Sapa