Stakeholders collaboration key in digital migration effective implementation process

Government says there is need for concerted effort and collaboration among all stakeholders, including content providers and the private sector in various aspects to ensure effective implementation of the migration process.

Acting Executive Officer for MDBNL Dennis Chirwa speaks at the official opening for the training of Television Installers and Postal staff in Lilongwe - pic by Gladys Kamakanda
Acting Executive Officer for MDBNL Dennis Chirwa speaks at the official opening for the training of Television Installers and Postal staff in Lilongwe – pic by Gladys Kamakanda
Participants pose for a group photo soon after the official opening for training of Televison Installers and Postal staff in Lilongwe - pic by Gladys Kamakanda
Participants pose for a group photo soon after the official opening for training of Televison Installers and Postal staff in Lilongwe – pic by Gladys Kamakanda

Speaking at the official opening of a one-day training of Television Installers and Postal Staff at Lingadzi Inn in Lilongwe Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Malawi Digital Broadcast Network Limited (MDBNL) Dennis Chirwa said one of the aspects that are very critical in digital migration is technical support.

He said to access terrestrial signal, television viewers are required to use equipment that is digital compliant, including a DVB-T2 digital decoder also known as a Set Top Box (STB).

Chirwa explained that the DVB-T2 Set Top Box is not the same as the satellite pay TV service decoders or other Free-To-Air decoders.

“To ensure provision of quality and efficient services to television viewers, the MDBNL compiled a database of TV installers countrywide with the view to collaborating with them in the provision of technical support services television viewers so that they enjoy better picture and sound quality as well as more local channels,” said Chirwa.

He said the importance of the training cannot be overemphasized and urged the participants to take it seriously as it will provide them with an opportunity to get the basic as well as technical information about Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).

“IT is expected that at the end of this training, you will be able to address some of the knowledge gaps people might have about digital migration and at the same time assist them with the technical challenges they may experience with the digital decoders,” said the CEO.

Chirwa said they expect the trainees to also be providing MDBNL management with timely information serious challenges in the areas they operate from, which might be beyond their control for appropriate action.

He therefore commended Malawi Post Corporation (MPC) staff for the leading role played in the sale of STB through Post Offices across the country.

Chirwa said; “I believe this training will accord MPC staff the opportunity to acquire basic knowledge and skills necessary for them ably to assist customers who come to buy the decoders on how to connect them in addition to directing them to technicians who are also part of this training for further assistance”.

Gloria Nyangulu, Representative from MPC commended the MBDNL for inviting the MPC staff to the training as they have been meeting a lot of problems since they started distributing the STB last year.

“When customers come to our offices and buy the gadget they were facing problems, this was a challenge to us being the distributors, but with this training I believe it will go long way as we will be able to give them good information at the same time teaching them how it works,” said Nyangulu.

Technical Manager for MDBNL Franklin Chimpesa said the training will assist to ease the problem of TV installation because people will be able to identify on their own a person or company name to install the TV set in their home.

“Soon after the training we are going to publish the names in the newspapers so that people should know the person who is close to them,” said Chimpesa.

On the post office staffs, Chimpesa said they are the stakeholders who have assisted the MBDNL a lot that is why they are one of the beneficiaries to the training so that they should work effectively.

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