Tanzania is the first East African country to switch off the analogue television signal despite fears that the pricing of set-top boxes would disrupt the process.

Set-top boxes convert the digital signal into a format compatible with analogue TV sets.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) switched off the analogue signal in Dar es Salaam on December 31, 2012 at midnight but said it will take a phased approach in order to ensure the process is smooth.

But there were reports of technical hitches as most decoders failed to relay images.

Technical hitches

Communications manager at TCRA Innocent Mungy, said the majority of customers in Dar es Salaam experienced technical hitches due to a last minute rush that overwhelmed the technicians.

TCRA linked the hitches to the lack of public awareness on installation of the set-top boxes rather than quality of devices or frequencies.

Tanzania is among the first African countries to switch to digital television and now leads the region in the migration process. Other countries are still struggling with logistics or the availability and affordability of set-top boxes.

READ: Tanzania to stick with December digital switchover deadline

Burundi, for example, was still stuck at the feasibility study stage as of May last year.

In Uganda, the communications commission had hoped to switch on the digital signal first in Kampala and its suburbs in the New Year after which the public would enjoy a simulcast — the concurrent transmission of both the analogue and digital signal — until the global cut over date of June 2015.

However, disagreements on who should be the signal distributor and the lack of a legal framework for the exercise as well as infrastructural challenges stood in the way of Uganda’s efforts to beat the 2012 deadline. The transition was also challenged by lack of funds.

Kenya court battle

In Kenya, the government was determined to switch off the analogue signal in Nairobi and its environs by December 31, but a consumer lobby group challenged the move in court.

READ: Region’s digital TV switch at crossroads as Kenya loses bid

The Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) moved to court claiming the price of set-top boxes was too high for consumers.

The case is yet to be determined but the Communications Commission of Kenya director general Francis Wangusi said the government has launched fresh consultations with stakeholders to settle on a new timeframe for the migration.

Mr Wangusi said the commission hopes to have moved a big portion of the Kenyan population to the digital platform by the end of this year.

“We have made fresh appeals to the Treasury seeking subsidies on the set-top boxes in efforts to make them more affordable for the public,” Mr Wangusi said.

“It is important that everyone understands that this transition is crucial as it will improve the quality of broadcasting and create more jobs.”

By Rosemary Mirondo and Charles Wokabi