China’s StarTimes won digital migration in Mozambique in transparent process – INCM

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China’s StarTimes won digital migration in Mozambique in transparent process – INCM

4:06 CAT | 04 Nov 2016

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Chinese company Star Times Software Technologies is to lead the digital broadcasting migration process in Mozambique after winning a public tender launched last June in which 20 domestic and foreign companies competed.

Mozambique hopes this step will accelerate the digital migration process, as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deadline is December 2016.

Startimes will be responsible for implementing the digital network and its financing, estimated at about 150 million US dollars. The budget includes the assembly of 60 digital stations over a period of 18 months, after which the analog broadcasts will be terminated.

Some interested parties reacted unfavourably to the announcement of the tender winner, alleging influence peddling. The Director-General of the National Institute of Communications of Mozambique (INCM), Américo Muchanga, however refuted the allegations, saying that it was a transparent process.

Mozambique will not be able to comply fully with the targets, and progress will be gradual. “The digital migration will cover only 70 percent of the population, which means that some people will not have access to radio and television,” Muchanga said.

So far, eight stations have been installed, covering Ponta do Ouro, Namaacha, Ressano Garcia, Ulónguè, Vila Manica, Milange Zóbuè, Matchedje and Mandimba.

Source: Folha de Maputo