04 Sep 2022

Government will formally switch off the analogue terrestrial transmission to pave way for digital terrestrial on October 2.

A press release from the Office of the President the analogue switch off will constitute completion of the digital migration process to which Botswana committed herself under the Geneva 2006 (GE06) agreement of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

The GE06 agreement, the release says, obliges member countries to migrate their terrestrial transmission from analogue to digital enhance access to television services by leveraging on technological advances brought about by digital technology.

On one hand, the release says government has completed installation and testing of 45 digital transmitters countrywide which will enable the public to receive all public and private television services.

The public is therefore advised to access the channels through set top boxes that are already available in the market at various outlets. Meanwhile, the release says the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) will, also on October 2, launch three distinct television channels.

The channels, it says will comprise a Btv 24-hour news channel, Btv one and Btv two channels.

Further, the release say the new developments will enable the department to create opportunities for the creative industry in the broadcasting sector by stimulating demand in local productions.

Again, it says further information on the new developments will be communicated to the public.

The department, it says, will also communicate a toll free number for a call centre to enable easier communication on the new services and other related matters. Ends