The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Regulations, 2026 under the Electronic Communications Act, 2005.

The regulations establish a comprehensive framework for digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB), covering multiplex capacity allocation, channel authorization procedures, and signal distribution requirements.

Key Provisions

The regulations confirm DVB-T2 as the standard for digital terrestrial television, supported by MPEG-4 or advanced compression technologies. Broadcasting services may be delivered in standard definition (SDTV) or high definition (HDTV) formats.

A total of seven multiplexes (Mux 1–7) are defined within the 470–694 MHz band, with capacity allocated as follows:

• Multiplex 1 & 5: Reserved for public broadcasting services (100% capacity)

• Multiplex 2: Commercial and community broadcasting services

• Multiplex 3: Free-to-air broadcasting services

• Multiplex 4: Subscription broadcasting services (subject to licensing)

• Multiplex 6: Community broadcasting services (100% capacity)

• Multiplex 7: Reserved for trials, experiments, and demonstrations

Any allocated capacity not utilised within 36 months may be forfeited and reallocated by the Authority.

All broadcasting licensees must obtain prior approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa before transmitting any digital channel, with decisions issued within 60 days unless a hearing is required.

Signal distribution must be provided by licensed ECNS operators, with broadcasters entering regulated agreements where needed. A Multiplex Operator manages transmission infrastructure and stream aggregation.

Non-compliance may result in penalties. The regulations will take effect on a future Gazette date, replacing previous rules after analogue switch-off. For more such information, contact us at info@nanotechsol.com