Cabinet, the most senior level of the government of South Africa, has approved the beginning of the dual-illumination period for the country’s digital TV broadcast signals. The period is set to commence on February 1st 2016.

The dual-illumination period refers to an interim phase during which both analogue and digital terrestrial television signals are allowed to be transmitted before the analogue signal will be switched off altogether.

The announcement comes after Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi said she would attend the first installations of government-subsidised set-top boxes in Keimoes in the Northern Cape from December 17th.

“The migration from analogue to digital broadcasting services releases the much-needed radio frequency spectrum suitable for the provision of mobile broadband services,” said Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe. “This will increase the competitiveness of the South African economy by revitalising the broadcasting industry, strengthening the electronics manufacturing industry, creating jobs, and developing more local and diverse broadcast content.”

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