06 Sep 2015

Digital migration has the potential to improve both the quantity and quality of television content and to increase viewership.This was said by the public education representative from digital migration in television, Mr Ditsotlhe Ketlogetswe at the digital migration activation ceremony in Tsabong on Friday (September 4).

He said the country was going through a dual illumination period where television services would be broadcast in both the analogue and digital format. He said the digital transition was to facilitate public education. He added that dual illumination would facilitate a smooth switch over while maintaining the analogue system until everything was ready for the switch off. 

“How long this transition period lasts will be determined in the context of the preparedness of our consumers as existing terrestrial receivers will need to be enabled for digital migration,” said Mr Ketlogetswe.

He explained that because of better compression, the digital format would be able to offer several channels in a spectrum that was previously used to transmit a single analogue channel.

“Digital migration will bring about enhanced sound and picture quality, room for more channels, creation of revenue for film industry, creation of employment opportunities as well as the ability to receive disaster warnings,” he said.

Mr Ketlogetswe said an integrated television set with an aerial would be available in due course, and that they should desist from following unauthorised dealers who cheat  people through false pretences.

Another representative from digital migration in television, Mr Omphile Montsiemang said people should desist from believing everything they hear from unauthorised dealers who aim for a quick buck, but to watch Botswana Television and lesson to Radio Botswana for more information. 

He said once the television sets were available the public would be informed. Mr Montsiemang said digital migration was the route to join the global village, and that the nation would be spoilt for choice as they would access many channels.

“Expansion of television services through digital migration would go a long way in opening new and exciting economic opportunities for Botswana,” he said. 

Kgosi Toto II of Tsabong thanked the team for their insightful information. He also encouraged Tsabong residents to keep abreast of important information for future reference as well as to join the rest of the world in embracing efforts to build a more diversified economy through local innovation.  Ends