The Draft Digital Terrestrial Television Regulations, 2025 are intended to regulate broadcasting after digital migration has been completed (“the Draft DTT Regulations”). The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA”) published them earlier today, for public comment.
Digital terrestrial television is more efficient and uses a type of technology that allows many more television channels to be broadcast on the same amount of frequency that would previously only have accommodated one television channel. This is great for consumers as it allows them to access a wider range of content.
The Draft Digital Terrestrial Television Regulations, 2025 are relatively technical and set out how a network of frequencies that allows multiple channels to be carried for the provision of digital terrestrial television (“Multiplexes”), will be allocated. For example, ICASA’s Draft DTT Regulations propose that the public broadcaster be allocated Multiplexes 1 and 5, while e.tv and community broadcasters will be allocated 85% and 15% of Multiplex 2, respectively.
Importantly, Multiplex 4 will be allocated to new broadcasting licensee/s, who will be invited to apply for a radio frequency spectrum licences. The Draft Digital Terrestrial Regulations, 2025 clearly indicate ICASA’s desire to open up the broadcasting space to new entrants. These Invitation To Apply (“ITA”) processes are typically very competitive with many applicants applying for broadcasting licences.
Interest parties have 30 working days from 4 July 2025, to make submissions on the Draft Digital Terrestrial Television Regulations, 2025. You can access a copy of the Draft DTT Regulations here.
For assistance with making a submission, or taking part in the Invitation to Apply, when it is published, contact any lawyer at our firm.
