We are happy to release a report on the State of broadcasting and digital migration in the region.
Most countries in the region and beyond adopted a phased approach to the digital broadcasting migration (DBM) process and modernisation of the infrastructure was synchronised with consumer awareness and acquisition of receive gadgets, the set-top boxes (STBs). Digital broadcasting migration hinges on three pillars and these are:
• Infrastructure
• Content
• Consumer awareness and set-top boxes
It should be noted however that some SADC countries have made good digital broadcasting migration progress and are in the final phases of the process. Others are struggling due to various factors, chief among them being financial constraints and lack of urgency to comply with the ITU timelines. It is also unfortunate that the Covid -19 pandemic that hit the world from the beginning of the year 2020 also negatively impacted the progress of digital broadcasting migration programs as resources had to be channelled towards fighting the pandemic.
A copy of the State of broadcasting and digital migration in the region report is available for download in the MISA resource centre.