Sentech reduces signal distribution cost

Mluleki Mrwebi

30 April 2012

Sentech has announced reduced signal distribution costs for community broadcasters. The change came into effect on the 1^st of April 2012.

On the 16^th of April 2012 ICASA announced that Sentech's average decrease in signal distribution costs for community radio is 65%, and 33% for community TV services. 

Bush Radio has welcomed the reduced signal distribution cost by Sentech, as the station have been fighting for the distribution cost to be reduced.

Bush Radio Managing Director Brenda Leonard said that it is great news that the tarrifs have been reduced.

She also said that they raised the matter with Portfolio Committee on Communications back in January this year, during their visit to the station.

She believes that a long-term reduced tariff would contribute to the development of community broadcasting and its sustainability.

Media Development and Diversity Agency has also welcomed the move by Sentech, and believe that it is the great effort towards the creation of an enabling environment for media diversity.

MDDA's CEO Lumko Mtimde said that this is the move in the right direction, and that they hope that a more differentiated structure will be regulated.