The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has unveiled the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Regulations for 2026, setting forth a new regulatory structure for the nation’s broadcasting landscape following the completion of the Analogue Switch-Off (ASO). These regulations comprehensively revise the operational, licensing, and management frameworks for digital terrestrial television in South Africa.
A significant aspect of the new regulations is the allocation of broadcasting capacity across seven multiplexes within the 470 to 694 MHz frequency range. Multiplexes 1 and 5 are exclusively reserved for the public broadcaster, SABC, while Multiplex 2 is divided between commercial broadcasters (up to 80%) and community services (up to 20%). Multiplex 3 focuses solely on free-to-air broadcasting, whereas Multiplex 4 is designated entirely for subscription television. Multiplex 6 is reserved for community broadcasting, and Multiplex 7 is allocated for future innovations, trials, and experimental services.
The new regulations also establish standardised technical requirements, mandating the use of DVB-T2 transmission technology with at least MPEG-4 compression. Broadcasting will support both Standard Definition (SDTV) and High Definition (HDTV), ensuring compatibility with current digital receivers and enhancing overall service quality.
To promote efficient spectrum utilisation, ICASA has implemented a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy that mandates licensees to fully utilise their allocated capacity within a 36-month timeframe. Non-compliance will lead to the forfeiture and reallocation of unused spectrum, aimed at discouraging spectrum hoarding and promoting active service rollouts.
Regarding licensing and operations, broadcasters (excluding community services) must obtain authorisation before launching specific digital channels. ICASA may conduct public hearings if a proposed channel raises significant public interest. Multiplex operators will continue to operate under existing Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) licensing regulations, with no new license category created. Furthermore, broadcasters are required to enter into commercial agreements with signal distributors, and ICASA may step in through an Invitation to Apply process if distribution services fail to meet their rollout obligations.
Consumer protection is another critical element of the new regulations. Broadcasters are required to offer Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) and Electronic Programme Information (EPIs) to enhance viewers’ access to content information. Additionally, an engineering service channel will be introduced on the most widely covered multiplex to facilitate software updates for receivers, using 4 Mb/s of dedicated capacity. The regulations enforce strict compliance measures, including penalties of up to R500,000 per day for failing to meet channel authorisation or consumer information requirements.
These new regulations replace the previous Digital Migration Regulations of 2012 and the Diversity and Competition Regulations of 2014, effectively concluding the dual illumination period and fully transitioning South Africa into a unified digital broadcasting environment.
