AS analogue transmission is officially switched off in Dar es Salaam effective today, service providers are working day and night to make sure other eight regions switch on to digital transmissions in the coming eight months.

The Deputy Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Mr January Makamba, said in a brief statement that already companies licensed to supply the decoders have assured the government on the adequacy of the devices, while arrangements are afoot for more to be imported to meet the growing demand.

“I wish to announce that preparations for the switch-off of analogue systems ready for digital technology come tomorrow are now finalized, according to agreements reached with all East African members’ states and already eight regions have been connected to the new technology,” he said.

The regions where the technology has been introduced, according to the Minister, include Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Tanga, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Mbeya. Dar es Salaam analogue television transmitters will be switched off today (at mid-night); Dodoma and Tanga on January 31st, 2013; Mwanza February 28th, 2013; Kilimanjaro and Arusha 31st, March 2013 and Mbeya on April 30th, 2013.

However, the government notice reiterated that the programme for the switch-off of analogue transmitters will be executed only in areas that have the digital broadcasting equipment and that areas without digital infrastructure will not be switched-off.

People have been asked to buy decoders to be able to access the digital broadcasting aired through the phasing out analogue system and should not throw away their analogue TV sets. Already an influx of buyers has been reported in various outlets and dealers buying decoders trying to meet the deadline.

Digital Broadcasting milestones in Tanzania dates back in 2004 when the Regional Radio Communication Conference was held in Geneva to establish the technical basis to facilitate frequency spectrum planning and the form in which the requirements of administrations was to be submitted.

In 2005 the Converged Licensing Framework with accommodated Digital Broadcasting First Public Consultation Document on Digital Broadcasting Landscape was adopted. In 2006 Regional Radio Communication Conference was held in Geneva converted all the analogue assignment done to Digital assignment followed by signing of agreements and approved digital plan.

Source : abdas.org