In a landscape undergoing a major digital transformation, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is embarking on a major migration process to digital terrestrial television (DTT). This transition, initiated in 2018, aims to modernize the country’s audiovisual sector by abandoning analog frequencies in favor of digital technology.
Today, nine cities in the DRC have already made the switch to DTT, but there is still a long way to go, with forty-six cities still to be equipped. Georges Malutama, Coordinator of the National Commission for Migration to DTT, estimates that nearly 60 million US dollars will be needed to successfully complete the next phase of the project.
This migration to DTT is a requirement of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), aimed at rationalizing the use of frequencies and freeing up space for telecom operators. Indeed, by abandoning analog frequencies, the Congolese government will be able to transfer them to develop the country’s internet infrastructure.
The financial impact of this transition is already palpable, with 82 million US dollars generated by the first phase of migration in border towns. A significant contribution that contributes to strengthening public finances.
The implementation of this ambitious project requires close coordination between the various stakeholders involved, as demonstrated by the recent meeting between the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, and the National Commission for Migration to DTT. This meeting made it possible to assess progress and define a roadmap for the rest of the deployment.
To ensure the success of this transition, the Congolese government plans to launch a restricted call for tenders to select a qualified service provider to support the second phase of the project. A strategic approach that will guarantee the efficiency and sustainability of the migration to DTT.
Through this transition to digital terrestrial television, the DRC is embarking on a process of modernizing its audiovisual landscape, thus offering citizens increased access to diverse and quality content. This development demonstrates the government’s desire to respond to the challenges of the digital world and to optimize available resources for the well-being of the Congolese population.
In conclusion, the migration to DTT in the Democratic Republic of Congo represents a major turning point in the country’s audiovisual history. This ambitious project, a real lever for development, opens up new perspectives for a constantly evolving sector and illustrates the Congolese government’s commitment to innovation and modernization.