Set-top boxes (STBs) would be required for access to the free-to-air (FTA) channels. The service is expected to launch near the end of September. The DTH-S platform was created to enable reception particularly in areas where there was no access to normal terrestrial services. This service would not replace the digital terrestrial television platform, which would be launched “later”, but would rather supplement it, representatives said.

SABC acting chief operations officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng said in a statement that the broadcaster’s primary focus was to create universal assess for all South Africans. “The launch of SABC services on the DTH-S platform will help us further this objective and provide a service to the public of South Africa,” he said. “In addition to the 4.5 million subscribers on the DStv platform, the SABC News channel will now also be available to 1.7 million households… who have previously not been able to receive any SABC television services on a free-to-air basis.”

Sentech chief operating officer Kganki Matabane added, “Sentech and the SABC share a common public service mandate to ensure that all public broadcasting services are available to all South African citizens”.