Court hits pause button in govt analogue television migration plan
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has welcomed the deferment on the analogue television switch-off date.
The High Court in Johannesburg ruled the digital switch be made on 30 June and not this Thursday, as had been planned.
The news provides a welcome relief to more than 70 civil union groups, as well the SABC, that have been calling on government to delay the process of switching off analogue TV signals.
Etv and other parties approached the court to ask for a lengthy delay, but the application was dismissed with costs.
Communication Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says she's pleased with the ruling adding that they are on track to ensure that migration to digital terrestrial television concludes at the end of June.
READ: SABC, civil groups want govt to delay analogue deadline
She's asked all parties to accept the court decision.
Ntshavheni says registrations for the subsided set-top boxes with integrated digital receivers are still underway.
Qualifying households or South Africans who earn below R3 500 per month can register for free installation at their nearest Post Office.
The minister's urged those who haven't signed up to do as soon as possible.
Over 500 0000 people have registered so far.
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