Broadcast Media Africa has learnt that MultiChoice has firmly opposed the allocation of spectrum below 694MHz to mobile operators, arguing that these bands, historically used for terrestrial television broadcasting, should be exclusively reserved for digital terrestrial television (DTT) services.
In a submission to the South African communications regulator Icasa, MultiChoice, a leading entity in the industry with its ownership of DStv, M-Net, and GOtv, emphasised the importance of these lower frequency bands for delivering enhanced DTT services, including HD and 4K channels and specialised 5G broadcasts, drawing on their extensive experience and expertise in the field.
The submission comes as Icasa reviews digital migration regulations from 2012, with public hearings scheduled for this Friday. While MultiChoice does not currently offer terrestrial broadcasts in South Africa, it is reportedly eager to introduce its GOtv digital terrestrial television brand to the market. This could bring new and advanced DTT services to South African viewers, including HD and 4 K channels.
After broadcasters vacated the 700MHz and 800MHz bands in August 2023, known as the “digital dividend,” mobile operators began using these frequencies for telecom services. The move has sparked debate over the allocation of the remaining spectrum, particularly the bands below 694MHz.
MultiChoice’s stance advocates for maintaining these bands exclusively for broadcasters, asserting that this approach will support the viability of DTT services and foster the development of comprehensive DTT bouquets. They underscored the need for Icasa to reconsider its spectrum plan to accommodate future DTT advancements and new transmission standards like 5G Broadcast, promising a bright and innovative future for DTT services.
Stakeholders, including the National Association of Broadcasters, eMedia, Sentech, and the SABC, are set to present their perspectives at Icasa’s public hearings in Pretoria. These hearings are crucial for shaping the future of telecommunications and broadcasting in South Africa. Despite its significant interest in the outcome, MultiChoice opted not to participate directly in the hearings.
The outcome of the hearings and subsequent regulatory decisions by Icasa could significantly impact the future landscape of telecommunications and broadcasting in South Africa, with potentially far-reaching implications for both mobile operators and terrestrial broadcasters.
