ICASA invites new DTT channels
January 5, 2018
By Chris Forrester
South Africa’s media regulator ICASA is inviting applications from broadcasters wishing to apply for multiplex spectrum on the nation’s third (MUX-3) DTT service.
ICASA initially made a similar announcement back in September 2015 but did not issue licences.
MultiChoice is already operating one of the available multiplexes for its GOtv system.
Multiplexer 3 (MUX-3) is designed to provide additional commercial subscription TV channels, and ICASA says the successful applicant will be allocated 45 per cent of MUX 3 capacity with which to launch pay-TV services.
- Among the criteria to qualify for the spectrum are (according to the official application guidelines):
The applicant must be a television broadcasting service licensee, as defined in the Promotion of Diversity and Competition on Digital Terrestrial Television Regulations.
The applicant must have a minimum of 30 per cent ownership held by historically disadvantaged person(s), or have a level 4 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) status.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funding in place, and there is an obligation to start transmissions within 2 years of a licence being granted. Once a launch date has been agreed the successful applicant must guarantee to cover 50 per cent of the distribution network within two years.
Closing date for applications is January 25th 2018.