The Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) has taken a decision to facilitate local investors to import and distribute digital TV sets. The move is in line with the government’s commitment to meet the 2012 deadline for all the East African Community (EAC) member states, to migrate from analogue to digital system.

That the regional deadline is three years ahead of the global deadline under the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), demonstrates this region’s determination to take full advantages of the ICT revolution.

The switch over to digital broadcasting will bring immense benefits, to both consumers and operators.  It will make it possible to process and compress digital data in a more efficient manner.

It will improve sound quality; high definition picture; broader choice of programmes from the wider choice of channels; and enhanced flexibility due to better portable and mobile reception. Other benefits include improved subtitling and other technologies that cater to the special needs of disadvantaged groups such as the disabled and the elderly; and the potential for lower prices of digital and integrated television receivers.

Operators will also benefit from the switchover through anticipated lower transmission costs, use of multiple transmitters on the same frequency, instant feedback from consumers, among others.

Going by the anticipated benefits, it is clear that everyone stands to benefit from the migration. Therefore, business operators and the general public should respond positively to the set deadline.

Ends