Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority for a training program supporting the expansion and modernization of Ethiopia’s nationwide broadcast television industry. The Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority is responsible for ensuring the expansion of broadcasting service that can contribute to the political, social and economic development of the country. Digital television transition (DTT) and media development is the focal area for the transition of the broadcast sector.  The training is in partnership with GatesAir, Inc., an Ohio-based electronics company that produces and services over-the-air TV and radio broadcast equipment globally.

The training will expand the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority’s capacity to develop and execute the DTT project and meet the International Telecommunications Union recommendations. The migration to digital broadcast infrastructure will help Ethiopia increase the number of service channels and free up new spectrum for alternative uses such as mobile wireless services and broadband internet connectivity.

“USTDA is pleased to support the modernization of Ethiopia’s broadcast television industry,” said Lida Fitts, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. “We are proud to create market access for U.S. companies that may lead to new export opportunities in a growing sector in Ethiopia.”

“EBA is committed to implement the training program with USTDA and GatesAir. We are so proud of having USTDA as a partner,” said Solomon Tesfaye Telila, the Director General of EBA.

“GatesAir has been the world’s leading supplier of the over-the-air broadcast systems since 1922, and has been supporting Africa’s broadcasters since 1937,” said Bruce D. Swail, CEO, GatesAir. “Today, GatesAir is the leading supplier for national digital DTV systems on the continent, and our reputation as a globally renowned service-oriented organization is just one reason why we remain Africa’s most trusted over-the-air brand. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority and its skilled team of engineers on these training and education initiatives to help them activate new television services, and maximize operational value for its digital TV network well into the future.”