Fundamental

Considerations
for the Deployment of
DTT Transmission
Facilities in South Africa
F.Lindeque Pr. Tech
Group Executive : Network Services
Sentech Ltd
 Background
Sentech is the common carrier broadcasting signal
distributor in South Africa – state owned but
commercially run.
Operating a number of national networks of
analogue terrestrial TV & FM transmitters.
DTH digital satellite.
FM Network – 11 official languages –average of 80%
of population.
204 remote site - 1400+ medium/high power
transmitters.
Tests on DAB.
Tests on DTT.
Obtained a CoC (Carrier of Carriers) as well as MM
(Multimedia) licenses in 2002 – bridging the digital
divide.
Public TV Broadcast Services
Service Coverage Format
SABC 1 89% *Terrestrial Analogue
*Satellite digital

SABC 2 91% *Terrestrial Analogue

*Satellite digital

SABC 3 77% *Terrestrial Analogue

*Satellite digital
Public Broadcast Services
At least 3 million households do not own
TV sets (could be as high as 5 million).

Impact on at least 15 million people.

Effective access to PB TV services is at best

between 60 to 70%.
 Band Planning

Unlike European countries in Region 1 where

re-planning of spectrum is essential to ensure
orderly deployment of DTT, a complete band
re-plan in South Africa is not a priority due to
the current level of spectrum utilization,
effective management, and regional
coordination requirements.
 Band Planning (cont.)
The foremost consideration in South Africa is to
initially reserve and apply spectrum capacity for
the migration of Public broadcasting television
services-specifically initiating the Metro areas.

Currently DTT replication of existing analogue this

can be achieved without disruption to the existing
analogue transmissions.
 Considerations
Social needs/expectations.
End to end service provision.
Limited spectrum in metropolitan areas
Affordability of STB’s.
Acceptance of new technology.
Cost factors for installing new networks.
Migration period of 10 to 15 years.
 New PBS Platform
Introduction of new regional services.
Launch combination of DTT and DTH.
DTH initially metropolitan areas with evolutionary
expansion.
DTH to Viewing centers, MPCC’s. Schools etc.
Protection of existing analogue PBS.
Replicate existing analogue coverage.
Migration period 10 to 15 years.
Coastline-simplifies spectrum availability and co-
ordination. Southern African states same plan-low
spectral utilization.
Spectrum Consideration
Retain GE 89 Television plan and use spare
allocations on this plan.
Viewers shall then use same receive antennas.
Spectrum is limited in metropolitan areas.
Sufficient to launch DTT.
Moratorium on analogue .
Importance of effective planning and management.
Preserve resource capacity for PBS & migration to
digital.
 Technology Choices
Television
ANALOGUE TERRESTRIAL SATELLITE DTH
COVERAGE: COVERAGE:
( % population) (% population)

90% 100%
 Terrestrial Expansion
Considerations
PBS to be protected against interference during migration.
Moratorium on new analogue networks.
Deploy DTT platforms from the same high sites.
No disruption of current analogue services.
Best chance of non-interference – SFN’s.
Replication of existing analogue services.
Expansion of existing PBS networks can be done on
analogue(rural areas).
New networks have to be digital.
UHF spectrum available in rural areas.
PBS: Analogue to DTT - Essence
of Successful Migration
Has to be in line with government policy.
Extensive use of latest technology.
Affordability.
Reserve existing available spectrum.
Ensure minimum interference on all analogue
services during implementation.
Ensure minimum discomfort for viewers.
Success of workable strategy, network roll-out and
approach.
“Basic services on basic platforms in basic places”.
 Workable roll-out strategy
Co-ordinate with other government initiatives.
Integrated approach for rural areas.
Terrestrial services will be complimented by satellite
DTH.
DTT, DAB and DRM will not provide quick fixes.
FM will remain for years to come
DAB complementary to FM and for niche market
initially.
Deliver services in more innovative, effective and
efficient ways.
End to end service provision
 End-to-End Service
Provision
The portion of the population most
desperate for access simply cannot
afford receive equipment.

Key challenges is to provide a means of

receiving DTT/DAB services.
 Conclusion
Current band plan should not be changed for South
Africa. Need time to roll out new platforms.
New technology platforms (DTT) to be established for
regional services.
Migration to DTT to be started soon.
Migration will take 10 to 15 years and need to have little
impact on current analogue services.
DTT and DTH to be used in complementary capacity to
provide regional services.
Interference to the consumer to be minimized.
STB’s and reception facilities to be established for PBS.
Thank you