ICASA releases new DTT regulations

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ICASA releases new DTT regulations --

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 10:43

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The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released the Promotion of Diversity and Competition on Digital Terrestrial Television Regulations a set of rules which will allow the regulator to license new free-to- air and paid-for television services on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) spectrum.

Originally only two multiplexes were to feature on the spectrum allocation for DTT. 85% of multiplex one was allocated to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which would allow them to broadcast 17 channels. The remaining 15% was allocated to existing community television channels. Of the second multiplex, 55% was allocated to e.tv with a possible 11 channels, and 45% to M-Net with a possible nine channels. Creating a third DTT multiplex to cater for new players in the broadcast field was a possibility that has now materialised.

In addition, according to a notice issued by ICASA published on the Government Gazette, after 36 months any unused community television capacity on multiplex one will be re-allocated: Any capacity on Multiplex one that is assigned in terms of the Digital Migration Regulations to terrestrial television broadcasting service licensees that provide community broadcasting services that is not required for the digital broadcasting of those licensees channels, shall be assigned by the Authority in terms of these Regulations to television broadcasting service licensees that provide community broadcasting services.

The notice states that capacity on multiplex three shall be allocated as follows: Up to forty-five per cent (45%) of the available capacity on Multiplex three shall be assigned to one or more commercial subscription television broadcasting service licensees pursuant to one or more invitations to apply for a radio frequency spectrum licence issued in terms of regulation seven of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations.

Up to fifty-five per cent (55%) of the available capacity on Multiplex three shall be assigned to one or more commercial free-to-air television broadcasting service licensees pursuant to one or more invitations to apply for a radio frequency spectrum licence issued in terms of regulation seven of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations.

The notice also outlines a number of regulations pertaining to licensees, stating that those on multiplex one and three will need prior written authorisation for a channel from ICASA. It also states that broadcasters assigned capacity on multiplex one and three must ensure that an Electronic Programme Guide and information in relation to the nature and content of programming, are made available to end-users in relation to the programming broadcast on a particular digital channel.

ICASA has stated that should licensees or broadcasters fail to comply with the regulations, it may issue fines to them.

View the full notice featured on the Government Gazette website

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