| Wed 22 Jul 2009, 14:24 | | ELI - Ellies Holdings Limited - Media Statement: Altech Uec And Ellies |
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ELI
ELI
ELI - Ellies Holdings Limited - Media Statement: Altech Uec And Ellies
Holdings - Altech UEC And Ellies Team Up To Streamline Digital Migration
Ellies Holdings Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number: 2007/007084/06)
JSE code: ELI ISIN: ZAE000103081
MEDIA STATEMENT: ALTECH UEC AND ELLIES HOLDINGS
ALTECH UEC AND ELLIES TEAM UP TO STREAMLINE DIGITAL MIGRATION
22 July 2009: JSE listed Allied Technologies Limited (Altech), through is
subsidiary, Altech UEC (Pty) Limited (Altech UEC) has partnered with AltX
listed Ellies Holdings Limited (Ellies), to provide a full service offering
for digital migration in southern Africa.
"South Africa is leading the African digital migration effort, with many
countries looking to us to provide a strategy that can be implemented in their
own country`s migration plans in the future. Altech UEC and Ellies will lead
the South African Government`s initiative to bridge the digital divide. The
digital migration programme will benefit the broader ICT sector, and create
many jobs in our industry. Altech UEC and Ellies are leaders in their
respective industries, we have a tried and tested relationship and our
business models allow us to present a full service offering, nationally,
across the entire spectrum of the value chain," said Altech CEO, Craig Venter.
Broadcasting digital migration (BDM) encapsulated in the slogan `Go Digital`,
is the process of converting television broadcasting signals from analogue to
digital technology. Currently, analogue broadcasting is the means of delivery
of terrestrial television in South Africa. Go Digital will see an estimated 9
million television households in South Africa needing Digital Terrestrial
Television (DTT) set top boxes (STBs), to convert the digital terrestrial
signal so that it can be displayed on analogue television sets.
"Altech UEC and Ellies have formed a unique partnership that will entitle
Ellies to be the sole distributor of the DTT STBs manufactured by Altech UEC.
The partnership comprises manufacture, distribution and installation of the
STBs, including after sales services. The alliance will simplify and greatly
improve South Africa`s Go Digital programme," said Ellies CEO, Wayne Samson.
The distribution agreement is an extension of the companies` 13 year
relationship which began with the development of a successful deployment model
for pay television solutions in South Africa and throughout the African
continent. This experience translates into a wealth of knowledge for Altech
UEC and Ellies in developing product offerings tailored to the South African
market. Operational efficiencies and proven systems will result in lower
prices to the consumer.
Altech UEC and Ellies will expand their partnership to include training
centres to aid unemployed and disadvantaged individuals, through the `Altech
UEC Ellies Installer and Repair Academy`. These installer schools, set up
around the country at Ellies branches, aim to train unemployed people in the
installation of aerial and satellite systems, first level STB fault
diagnostics and repair skills, and business and life skills. "Our aim is to
create an installer base in rural areas to improve the Go Digital process
while also helping the installers to build self-owned, sustainable businesses
that will themselves create employment," said Samson.
Once established in their specific areas, the installers will receive
continued support through the Ellies voucher system. STBs can be sold with a
voucher entitling the purchaser to installation of the product by an Ellies
approved installer. Additional benefit for the rural community will be to have
local repair expertise in closer proximity to their homes.
With an estimated 95% market share in the design, manufacture, support and
software development of STBs in South Africa, Altech UEC is a leading
developer of digital technology for the international pay-television industry.
It manufactures 16 different STB models, including satellite, terrestrial,
cable and hybrid STBs in its STB dedicated plant in KZN, South Africa. It
distributes its products throughout the world and has offices in Australia and
India and manufacturing facilities in the Far East. All of Altech UEC`s
intellectual property is however purely South African.
"Altech UEC`s R&D capabilities will result in a DTT STB with advanced
software, designed to allow the introduction of value added services such as
internet browsing capability and access to email and e-Government services.
The STBs will be manufactured in South Africa, ensuring availability of
sufficient numbers to meet demand," said Altech UEC Business Development
Director, Anton Lan.
Lan continued, "UEC and Ellies has for decades been synonymous with satellite
and television. Our companies` brands and products are proven and trusted
within the South African households. This partnership strengthens our
offerings whilst providing value and confidence to consumers and retailers."
Ellies is currently the largest manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of
electronic products related to television reception, including satellite and
terrestrial aerial ranges, in southern Africa. Ellies has trading divisions in
all major centres throughout South Africa, as well as in Windhoek, Gaborone
and Maputo. Ellies` ElSat business pioneered the pre-paid installation voucher
system, a process from point of sale to home installation, when satellite
first emerged in South Africa in 1995. These services are facilitated by
Ellies` countrywide call centres.
Further enquiries please contact
Altech:
Craig Venter
CEO
011 715 9000
Joe Makhafola
Group Executive, Corporate Affairs, Marketing, Government Liaison & Regulatory
Affairs
011 715 9026
Altech UEC:
Anton Lan
Business Development Director
031 508 2800
Ellies:
Wayne Samson
Chief Executive Officer
011 490 3840
ChilliBush Investor Relations:
Michelle Doyle / Nonhlanhla Moleya
011 646 7152
Date: 22/07/2009 14:24:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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