ITU backs phased digital migration
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has backed Malawi’s phased digital broadcasting migration, saying postponements are unavoidable when it is impossible to completely switch off analogue signal.
The country’s inroads towards digital terrestrial television broadcast began in earnest with Mzuzu and Zomba on Wednesday while Blantyre and Lilongwe are scheduled to switch over in September.
Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nakhumwa presided over a symbolic launch at Sunbird Mzuzu on Tuesday night, but analogue transmitters were left on—leaving Malawians receiving signals from local television channels via antennas which were supposed to phase out.
Asked what the United Nations (UN) telecoms arm makes of the phased, dual approach, ITU media relations and public information chief Sanjay Acharya said: “Malawi’s situation highlights the fact that the digital switchover indicates high visibility in the social and political agenda in any country.
“Many developed countries, such as USA and Australia, faced this situation and quite rightly opted for a postponement.”
Acharya said in an email that the hugely awaited June 17 cut-off was not a deadline for migration but a date jointly adopted by 119 countries in 2006.
He indicated any country with analogue transmitters still active will have to lower their power to protect digital transmissions of the neighbouring countries.
Malawi Digital Broadcasting Limited (MDBL) acting chief executive officer Denis Chirwa said ensuring the remaining analogue transmitters do not cause interference in Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia.
According to ITU, the simulcast—the simultaneous broadcasting of analogue and digital television—is the most widely used and reasonable way to proceed with the digital migration.
Technical solutions exist to resolve any interference that may arise in border areas where neighbouring countries have transitioned to digital TV.
Southern African Development Community (Sadc) countries have reportedly informed ITU that they have coordinated their operational analogue and digital transmissions to avoid any harmful interference.
Many African countries are still in the process of digital switchover.
