By DELPHINE ZULU –
GOVERNMENT yesterday officially launched the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) test transmission to mark a significant step in the country’s digital migration process.
The launch under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services took place at the Zambia National Broadcasting Services (ZNBC) and is part of the country’s digital migration process prescribed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo said the launch of the test transmission would denote the transition to DTT by the broadcaster.
The Permanent Secretary, speaking at Mass Media Complex, said the full launch would commence in May this year after the installation of the transmitters under the phase one project.
Mr Kasolo said ZNBC had already positioned Set-Top-Boxes (STBs) at Zampost outlets in Lusaka for members of the public to buy so that they were able to access the ZNBC digital television gesture.
In phase one, it would involve the installation of digital transmitters along the line of rail and other private broadcasters would be able to broadcast their content through the public signal distribution.
Phase two would be for the installation of studio equipment at ZNBC and digital television transmitters in the provincial areas.
He said phase three included the coverage of areas beyond the provincial centres, noting that pre-shipment inspection would be conducted by the project management team.
Board Chairperson John Mulwila said the test transmission witnessed yesterday was an indication that better things were yet to come and that the transmitters being installed were of high quality that the corporation would be availing to Lusaka residents.
Mr Mulwila said the test transmission would provide a platform to build the full rollout of DTT along the line of rail.