The Government formally switched off the analogue terrestrial transmission to pave way for a digital transmission.
The Department of Broadcasting Services launched 3 distinct television channels.
These channels comprise a BTV 24 hour News channel, BTV 1( the entertainment Channel) and BTV 2, (the information Channel).
Officiating at the event, Honourable Kabo Neale Sechele Morwaeng, Minister for State President said the historic moment marks a significant milestone in the field of broadcasting.
“The event we are witnessing today is a fulfillment of the obligation to the global agreement to migrate from analogue broadcasting to digital commonly known as the Geneva 06 Agreement” he added
He said through partnership with the Government of Japan, 46 digital terrestrial transmitters were rolled out. He said in partnership with the private sector, viewers will be able to access channels and other broadcasters licensed in Botswana through appropriate set-top boxes.
Morwaeng said for government, this is a crucial milestone towards the realization of the knowledge based economy as the digital environment is the integral part of this vision. “with digital Broadcasting, we expect interactive content that will engage our viewers more efficiently” he said.
Adding on, Honourable Morwaeng said the digital broadcasting allows to do data casting and to have more control over signal and will enhance the growth of local business across the digital Broadcasting value chain. He said more than 35000 set top boxes have been distributed and this is expected to inspire innovation in the content space which is good for the creative industry.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for State President Ms Goitsemang Morekisi said the launch is a significant milestone as it is hoped that the digital broadcasting ecosystem will inject more pace in the industry in Botswana by enabling further innovation in the content space. She said events such as this are considered critical as they are a success to the reset agenda and the role of broadcasting in influencing mindset change cannot be overemphasized.
His Excellency Mr Hoshiyama Takashi, Ambassador of Japan congratulated the government of Botswana on the completion of the Analogue Switch-Off(ASO) and the transition to digital terrestrial Broadcasting in Botswana. He said this is a notable achievement for Botswana broadcasting and for the future of digitalization. He added that Botswana is the first African country to introduce the Japanese terrestrial Broadcasting standard in 2013.
