The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will soon be conducting an inquiry into Must-Carry TV Regulations.
The communications regulator said the aim of the inquiry is to reach a comprehensive and accurate conclusion on the effectiveness of these regulations and consequently decide whether the current Regulations require an amendment.
In 2008, ICASA introduced “must carry” regulations, compelling pay-TV companies to carry the SABC’s free-to-air channels — SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 — in support of universal access.
The regulations allow MultiChoice and other pay-TV operators to carry the SABC’s three public-service TV channels at no cost.
The public broadcaster, SABC wants DStv and others to pay to carry SABC 1, 2 and 3 on their platforms.