As part of the implementation of the national plan for switching off analogue broadcasting and migrating to digital, a definitive shutdown of analogue terrestrial television broadcasting is planned for 15 August 2024, through a gradual zone-by-zone switch-off mechanism starting on 1 April 2024.
To this end, the Government has put in place support measures, including a price cap on reception kits and exemption of this equipment from customs duties and VAT. Despite this, the selling price of these kits remains a concern for the population and risks hindering their widespread adoption.
For this reason, the Council has agreed that the reception kit be sold at 5,000 CFA francs instead of 18,000 CFA francs, i.e. 3,500 CFA francs for the decoder and 1,500 CFA francs for the antenna and accessories. The subsidy for each reception kit therefore amounts to thirteen thousand (13,000) CFA francs. This new measure reducing selling prices will remain in force until the stocks of equipment acquired with State support are exhausted.
To this end, and in order to avoid market distortion, the Council has authorised the State to acquire the stocks and pending orders of distributors whose decoders have been approved by the High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC). This equipment will also be sold at the subsidised price.
The aim is for DTT to become a reality within the planned timeframe, with significant coverage in kits across the entire national territory.