Last-minute hold-up for Kenya DSO
January 2, 2015
By Chris Forrester
The process of converting Kenya to all-digital TV transmissions has been beset by delays, with frequent legal challenges from broadcasters arguing that the nation was not yet ready for digital TV.
A ‘final’ deadline date for the important Nairobi region was made for December 31st, but this was stymied with a last-minute legal intervention which saw a Nairobi court postpone switch-over until – at best – January 5.he legal challenge came from a consortium consisting of the Nation Media Group, Royal Media Services and Standard Group had sought legal intervention over the deadline, arguing that insufficient time has been allowed to prepare the necessary digital distribution infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Justice Kalpana Rawal has suspended the switch-over pending a new case hearing set for January 5.
Kenya’s technology minister says that the country has plenty of digital converter set-top boxes to fulfil needs.
Whatever decision is made for the Nairobi region, there is still work to do over other parts of the country. Phase 2 of the analogue switch-off is scheduled for February and the final ‘absolute’ switch off set for March 2015. All, subject to legal process, of course!