The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa has published new Digital Terrestrial Television broadcasting regulations, setting out how the country’s limited broadcast spectrum will be divided once analogue signals are switched off.
Why it matters
The regulations determine which broadcasters get access to the digital airwaves and on what terms. For millions of South Africans who rely on free-to-air television, the outcome shapes what they can watch and in what quality.
Spectrum allocation
The SABC receives Multiplexes 1 and 5, giving the public broadcaster enough capacity to expand into high-definition broadcasting. ICASA said the current allocation under Multiplex 1 posed “significant constraints” on the SABC’s ability to transition to HD.
E.tv receives 85% of Multiplex 2. The remaining 15% is reserved for community broadcasters.
Multiplex 4 is designated for new broadcasting licensees, who will be invited to apply for radio frequency spectrum licences. The move opens the door for new entrants into South Africa’s television market.
DStv implications
MultiChoice’s DStv, which operates on a subscription model, must comply with the new operational requirements or face penalties. The regulations establish compliance obligations for all entities broadcasting on the DTT platform.
No switch-off date yet
Despite finalising the regulations, ICASA has not set a date for the analogue switch-off. South Africa has missed multiple deadlines for the transition, which was originally supposed to happen years ago.
The regulations replace rules drafted in 2012 and 2014, following an inquiry that ICASA launched in March 2024.