Converged telecommunications group Allied Technologies said on Wednesday that through its subsidiary, Altech UEC, it has partnered with manufacturer and distributor of television reception-related products, AltX-listed Ellies Holdings, to provide a full service offering for South Africa's digital migration.

"South Africa is leading the African digital migration. Many countries are looking to South Africa to provide support in implementing Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM) in their own country's migration plans in the future. Altech UEC and Ellies will lead the South African government's
initiative to bridge the digital divide," said Altech CEO, Craig Venter.

He said that digital migration programme would benefit the broader ICT sector and create many jobs in the industry.

In addition, Altech UEC will appoint in excess of 1,000 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

"Digital Migration has taken place in the US, Australia and Europe.

It is a technology imperative that indicates that government is showing commitment to grow the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector and create much-needed jobs," said Venter.

Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM) is the process of converting television-broadcasting signals from analogue to digital technology.

Currently, analogue broadcasting is the means of delivery of terrestrial television in South Africa.

The new project will see an estimated nine million television households in South Africa needing Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Set Top Boxes (STBs), to convert the digital terrestrial
signal so that it can be displayed on analogue television sets.

The partnership will entitle Ellies to be the sole distributor of DTT STBs manufactured by Altech. "The partnership involves the distribution and installation of the STBs, including after sales services.

"The alliance will simplify and greatly improve South Africa's 'Go Digital' programme," said Ellies CEO Wayne Samson.

Altech UEC and Ellies will expand their partnership to include training centres to aid unemployed and disadvantaged individuals, through the 'Altech UEC Ellies Installer and Repair Academy'.

These installer schools, set up around the country at Ellies branches, aim to train unemployed people in the installation of aerial and satellite systems, first-level STB fault diagnostics and repair skills, and business and life skills.

"Our aim is to create an installer base in rural areas to improve the 'Go Digital' process while also helping the installers to build self-owned, sustainable businesses that will themselves create employment," said Samson.

Altech UEC currently manufactures and develops three million set top boxes per annum.

"Altech UEC's R&D capabilities will result in a DTT STB with advanced software, designed to allow the introduction of value added services, such as internet browsing capability and access to e-mail and e-Government services.

"The STBs will be manufactured and developed in South Africa, ensuring availability of sufficient numbers to meet demand," said Altech UEC business development director, Anton Lan.