The SABC and Sentech, a wireless broadband internet service provider, have embarked on a joint television subscription venture to provide interactive services to audiences in South Africa, the companies said on Thursday.

The move came after invitations for such a product were made by the Independent Communications Authority of SA, said chief executive officer of Sentech Dr Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane.

The idea is to broadcast content of public interest, but could be used for advertising as well.

Sentech and the SABC's entry into the project will end the monopoly of subscription programming by Multichoice (M-Net and DSTV).

"It will broaden the base for South Africans who can enjoy the fruits of the recently promulgated Electronic Communications Act," said SABC chief executive Dali Mpofu.

"By applying for this licence, Sentech together with the SABC, would seek to expand the current platform (of business television and radio)," said Mokone-Matabane.

A wider range of programme content is expected.

Mpofu said the SABC would use the platform to "growing the local content production industry and to tell the African story for the benefit of all citizens".

Sentech was marked to provide the technology and infrastructure of the project, while the SABC would provide content.

Sapa

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