The second phase of Tanzania’s migration from analogue to digital has taken off with the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) proposing to start with Singida and Tabora at the end of March
The Daily News reports the migration was given the go-ahead only after the results of research on the first phase, carried out by a group of professionals from the University of Dar es Salaam, were taken into consideration.
The research revealed 91 per cent of household users of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) were using decoders before the analogue switchoff and 89 per cent were using their televisions after it took place.
“But as it was agreed earlier, the shift will be conducted only when the digital services have reached the particular areas,” said Professor Nkoma, TCRA director general.
The migration will cover 10 other regions, including Mara, Kagera, Morogoro, Shinyanga, Iringa, Ruvuma and Lindi. The minister of information will announce the timetable.
Additionally, TCRA in cooperation with Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL) is planning to have fibre optic cable in all broadcasting stations so as to promote interactivity with their users.
“TCRA has received all the recommendations done by the study team and will take care of them with the aim that the move to digital is completed successfully before the deadline of June next year is reached as required by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),” it said.
