GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — The South African Post Office is offering subsidised set-top boxes (also known as decoders) to households with a total monthly income of R3 200 or less - the equivalent of two state pensions.
According to the Post Office, set-top box decoders will be necessary to continue watching television when South Africa switches to digital television transmission. This change, from analogue to digital, was originally supposed to happen several years ago, but eventually got underway at last in 2015.
It is unclear when the process will be complete, but it is expected to take several years.
The set-top box decoders will give access to more than 18 television channels, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation channels (SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, SABC News channel and SABC Encore), e-TV and community channels. All the 19 SABC radio stations will also be available through the television.
Digital television will provide a better image and sound quality than analogue TV, and reception is less affected by the weather.
To qualify for the subsidised decoder, the household members must be South African citizens and have a valid television licence. Applicants must bring their identity book, proof of address, proof of income (payslip) or an affidavit if they don’t have an income and television licence to the post office when they register,” SAPO said.
Local contractors will be enlisted to install the satellite dish and decoder.
“Households that do not qualify for a subsidised item can buy a decoder from their local post office at a once-off cost with no monthly subscription fees,” SAPO said.
Information brochures and application forms have been available in local post offices for about six monhs, and initially, applications came in very slowly. One problem seems to be that the forms need to be completed in English, with affadavits if necessary also in English, and for the majority of applicants in this area, English is not their first language. Those who qualify are urged to apply as soon as possible, and post office staff will willingly help where necessary. Employers are also asked to assist any of their staff who need help with the paperwork.
Since last October, about 180 applications have been made in Aberdeen, although no decoders have yet been received.
The process to acquire a decoder is as follows:
Step 1:
Go to the nearest Post Office and take the following documents.
- Payslip (not older than 3 months - with a salary of R3 200 and less)
- Proof of Residence (not older than 3 months)
- South African ID
Step 2:
The Post Office Consultant captures the following information on computer
- Personal Details
- Set-Top Box type (DTT / DTH)
- Subsidy Amount
- Sequential Distribution Number
- Proof of Residence (not older than 3 months)
Step 3:
Applicant receives an SMS to collect the Set-Top Box at their nearest Post Office.
Step 4:
Collect the DTT Set-Top Box at the Post Office, together with
- Installation Voucher
- Installer Details
- Warranty Period
- Installation Instructions
Step 5:
Install the Set-Top Box or call an installer and use the voucher.
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