Population:	47.9 million
Coverage:	18%
Services:	8 DAB

Last update: 20-01-2008

South Africa is not yet running a commercial DAB/DMB/DAB+ system, but has been running a DAB pilot under a test license for some time. Migration to digital terrestrial television is scheduled for November 2011.  Due to the intensive usage of Band III spectrum by television there is currently no scope for DAB/DMB transmissions in South Africa.  Once Band III is cleared of analogue TV transmissions, it is envisaged that licensing of digital radio will begin.

Coverage of the ongoing DAB trial reaches approximately 18% of the South African population.

In this country there is

• National multiplex: 1 Trial

By late 1997, test transmissions started in both Band III and L-Band covering Johannesburg with a DAB signal. This established the first pilot trials in Africa. In November 1999 the demonstration audio services were replaced with seven live audio programme simulcasts of licensed FM and AM services currently on air in Gauteng. Included are commercial and public service broadcasters providing a mix of Talk Radio, Pop, Kwaito and Classical Music. Experimental PAD slide-show and dynamic label services were included on one audio service in May 2000. A two-transmitter Band III Single Frequency Network established in 2001 provides DAB coverage to approximately 18% of the South African population.

Apart from the ongoing DAB trial, some DMB trials have also been undertaken.

The regulatory framework for digital radio in South Africa has yet to be established. The Digital Broadcasting Advisory Body (DBAB) established by the Minister of Communications completed its research into Digital Radio and Digital Terrestrial Television. The recommendations made to the Minister are available via the website of SADIBA,  the Southern African Digital Broadcasting Association that actively supported the above processes, lobbied stakeholders and shared information on systems and standards implemented world-wide.

In 2005 the Minister of Communications established a Digital Broadcasting Migration Working Group, comprising representatives from the broadcasting industry, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), government, civil society, organised labour and consumer groups.  Its aim was to develop recommendations and contribute towards the development of a national strategy for migrating from analogue to digital broadcasting.  The final report of the Working Group was presented to the Minister in November 2006 and is available at http://www.digitalmigration.gov.za.