Mozambicans rush for decoders as analogue TV goes off

By Jose Tembe

Frustrated Mozambicans in the capital, Maputo, who can no longer watch television on their old analogue TV sets have been crowding electronics shops to get hold of digital decoders.

The decoders can be linked up to the obsolete sets to allow people to receive the new digital signals.

The analogue signal was switched off in the capital two days ago and people have been complaining that they did not have enough time to get ready for the change-over.

“I've been in line for more than three hours to buy my decoder,” customer Afonso Mbongane said.

“It was scary when I got to the house and didn't see any channels. Now, I am forced to pay [for this equipment] to watch television, despite being unemployed.”

André Matusse, who was also queuing up, said: “There is no alternative but to pay to watch television. I hope that the sacrifice will be felt in the quality of images and programming and I also think that the government could lower prices a little.”

And those selling the decoders also said they needed more time to get in the supplies.

The authorities say digital TV allows for more channels and a better viewing experience. It can also carry radio stations and interactive services.

All countries in southern Africa were meant to have switched to digital by 2015 but things were held up in Mozambique because of a lack of money.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Getty Images