Ethiopia Targets Digital Migration By 2016

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Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority (EBA) disclosed that it would upgrade the terrestrial television service in the country from analogue to digital technology.

EBA Public Relations Head Workneh Tafa told Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) that the draft bill which was tabled for discussion today would help to deliver quality media service and ensure accessibility to media.

The authority is introducing the change in line with the decision of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that member countries transform their broadcast system to digital technology, he said.

Workneh added that the Ethiopian draft bill is expected to develop the film, art, media and other industries.

Should the Ethiopia government stick to its 2016 target, it will be migrating its broadcast services from analogue to digital long after the ITU's deadline of June 2015.

According to him, the country is undertaking various activities to prepare policy direction, legal framework, among others that will enhance the introduction of digital technology.

Among the legal experts who took part in the discussion, Birhanu Taddesse from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said that the media play a key role in the development of the nation.

The draft bill under discussion is expected to create media that deliver up-to-date information, he pointed out.

The digital technology envisioned is expected to be introduced after two years, it was learned.

Source: AllAfrica.com