Joint submission by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C, Arqiva 1 and SDN to Culture Media and Sport Committee inquiry into Spectrum

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Joint submission by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C, Arqiva 1 and SDN to Culture Media and Sport Committee inquiry into Spectrum"

Transcription

1 Joint submission by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C, Arqiva 1 and SDN to Culture Media and Sport Committee inquiry into Spectrum 1. Introduction and summary The above-named organisations welcome the opportunity to make a joint submission to the Committee s inquiry into Spectrum. As public service broadcasters and multiplex operators on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform, we have a clear interest in policy about future spectrum use. As broadcasters and multiplex operators, we have played a key role in delivering consumer and citizen value, and have enabled the future roll out of 4 th generation mobile services by working to free up spectrum: Our investments and efforts in driving Digital Switchover (DSO) and the roll out of DTT have created a vibrant, free to air TV platform, highly valued by viewers. This has incentivised consumers to take up digital TV, thereby making the process of DSO much easier and so helping to free up large amounts of analogue spectrum for new uses. We have also co-operated fully with Ofcom s process to amend the post-dso spectrum plan so as to clear DTT from the 800 MHz spectrum band thereby directly enabling the auction of the 800 MHz spectrum for mobile uses on a harmonised basis. The multiplex operators are investing hundreds of millions of pounds to build out a universal DTT network, and the public service broadcasters and multiplex operators have funded the management of the Digital Switchover (DSO) programme by Digital UK. Consumers have made significant investments in DTT reception equipment with more than 65 million digital TV Freeview devices sold in the UK. Consumers have made these investments based on the Government s promise to deliver universally available television via DTT they will therefore expect continuity of service. 1 In addition to this joint response Arqiva has a separate response that addresses specific matters relating directly to the use of spectrum for the provision of mobile internet services. Page 1 of 6

2 At set out in Section 2 below, we have continued to deliver on the viewer interest through services on the DTT platform, and have evolved the platform to deliver new HD services via existing spectrum. Looking to the future, we consider that any spectrum release process whether that carried out by Ofcom in relation to the spectrum released by DSO, the Government s public sector spectrum release process, or any future release programmes needs to take full account of the interests primarily of DTT viewers (as well as of broadcasters and multiplex operators). In this regard, Section 3 of this submission proposes a series of principles that we believe should underpin the future of the DTT platform. However, and as we highlight in Section 4 below, there is a significant risk that these principles will be undermined by the planned 800 MHz auction process, as new 4G mobile services in the 800 MHz spectrum are likely to create significant interference for DTT viewers with Ofcom s analysis suggesting that 760,000 UK households could be affected. Given the potentially significant impact on DTT viewers, we believe that the Committee should urge Government and Ofcom to ensure that interference is managed proactively i.e. before it affects consumers and ideally by putting in place guard bands to ensure that DTT is properly protected. 2. The DTT platform delivers significant consumer and citizen benefits DTT is a highly successful broadcast platform, which delivers very significant value to UK consumers. Importantly, all indications are that DTT will remain highly important to UK viewers for the foreseeable future: Take-up of DTT: DTT is the most popular UK television platform 2 : As at the end of 2010, 92.5% of UK homes have digital TV on at least the main TV set DTT is the most common digital TV platform, providing the primary means of receiving TV for 39% of UK homes and almost three quarters of UK homes use DTT on a primary or secondary set More than 65 million digital TV Freeview devices have been sold in the UK Key driver of platform competition and economic value DTT has brought with it a huge expansion of choice (via both the PSB and the Commercial multiplexes), with new services available for free to virtually all of the UK. Indeed, we note that, prior to DSO, DTT was considered so important that Parliament required the PSBs to build out the DTT platform to 98.5% coverage (the same as analogue television). DTT drives significant consumer value and competition particularly for households unwilling or unable to pay for subscription TV, and for the great majority of multi-set households. In the absence of a DTT platform of scale, platform competition would be weakened, to the detriment of UK consumers. DTT is an open, gateway-free platform, offering both free and pay services. 2 All data in the sub-bullets which follow are from Ofcom Digital TV Update, Q Page 2 of 6

3 DTT has created wider economic benefits, by stimulating a horizontal consumer equipment market. Further, in 2010, 40% or c. 1.3bn of the TV advertising market was delivered via DTT (enabling brands to reliably reach mass audiences and to drive product sales) 3. Efficiency and innovation The UK s DTT multiplex operators are committed to investing hundreds of millions of pounds in the platform. The transmission contracts with Arqiva run significantly beyond the current multiplex licence periods, with the costs spread over a longer period in order to reduce risk. The broadcasters and multiplex operators investment in the DTT platform is creating a universally available free to air TV platform, and in so doing has enabled the release of 156 MHz of spectrum freed up by Digital Switchover. The DTT multiplex operators have worked together and with Ofcom to introduce HD services in the existing spectrum, using the most advanced and efficient technologies (DVB-T2 and MPEG-4) to enhance the platform in the interests of viewers. By innovating in this way, DTT has continued to drive platform competition including helping to drive innovation by pay TV operators; has brought new technology to everyone in the UK (thereby addressing the digital divide); and has used new services to incentivise consumers to take up digital TV thereby enabling the freeing up of large amounts of analogue spectrum for new uses. Looking to the future, all indications are that the DTT platform will be of enduring significance for the next decade and beyond: Future DTT take up Forecasts suggest that DTT will account for c.40% of primary set homes in 2020 and, including secondary set connections, will remain the single most popular TV platform (55% of all television sets) 4. Future content preferences We expect that demand will continue to be strong for production and broadcasting of live news and events such as the Royal Wedding and General Election debates and other mass-audience event TV that brings the nation together. Linear broadcast of such events and programming will continue to be important, and DTT as the key free to air platform of scale will be central to enabling access to these events by viewers unwilling or unable to pay for subscription TV. Future technologies: HD is likely to become even more important in the future as the standard for all TV sets and the norm for content production. Consumers are likely to expect at least their main channels to be broadcast in HD on a free to air basis, and so the role of DTT will be critical here. 3 Based on an allocation of 2010 TV Net Advertising Revenues, by platform according to the volume of adult commercial impacts delivered 4 3Reasons Limited 2011 Page 3 of 6

4 Whilst we expect only modest growth in demand for 3D TV, it has the potential for unexpectedly high take-up. There will be some demand for major events broadcast in 3D, requiring flexibility to enable it to be offered on an ad-hoc basis. 3. Key principles for the future of the DTT platform In light of the very significant benefits delivered by the DTT platform, we consider that any consideration of the future of the platform and UK spectrum policy more generally needs to be informed by the following five principles: i) Meeting consumer expectations: As set out above, consumers do (and will continue to) place significant value on DTT services, and indeed consumers have made significant investments in DTT reception equipment. They will therefore expect continuity of service, and it is in the public interest that these expectations are met. ii) Securing platform competition: In the absence of a DTT platform of scale, platform competition would be significantly weakened thereby creating consumer detriment. DTT must retain the ability to compete with the other, predominately pay-tv platforms. iii) Safeguarding infrastructure investment: As set out above, the UK s DTT multiplex operators are investing hundreds of millions in the platform. These investments are of such a scale that the multiplex operators should have sufficient certainty that the investments will be safeguarded in order to enable an appropriate return on investment. This is line with the Government s Principles for Economic Regulation, which state 5 : the framework for economic regulation should provide a stable and objective environment enabling all those affected to anticipate the context for future decisions and to make long term investment decisions with confidence the framework of economic regulation should not unreasonably unravel past decisions, and should allow efficient and necessary investments to receive a reasonable return, subject to the normal risks inherent in markets iv) Enabling evolution of the platform: We recognise that the DTT platform needs to evolve in order to continue to deliver consumer benefit in order to enhance the platform going forward, this may involve improving spectrum efficiency over time and harnessing new technologies to deliver further HD and 3D services.. v) Supporting the delivery of public service content: Public service content is of enduring value to UK citizens. Therefore, any decisions about the future use of DTT spectrum also need to consider the implications for the funding of PSB 5 Page 7 of BIS, Principles for Economic Regulation, published April Page 4 of 6

5 content we consider that Ofcom should ensure that its recommendations seek to maintain and strengthen the quality of PSB in the UK. In summary, we expect the DTT platform to remain very attractive to consumers although it may need to evolve to offer enough HD services, some 3D opportunities, and an interactive complement. We therefore consider that UK spectrum policy needs to take full account of the principles set out above. 4. Interference to DTT from new 4G mobile services in the 800 MHz band It is possible, however, that Ofcom s process to release the 800 MHz spectrum will undermine the above principles due to the fact that, as Ofcom s own analysis has demonstrated, new 4G mobile services in the 800 MHz spectrum will create significant interference to DTT reception. It is useful in this context to recap on Ofcom s own policy position as set out in Ofcom's statement on "Digital Dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band", published on 30 June 2009 that disruption to DTT viewers must be minimised. Specifically, Ofcom made clear (at paragraph 1.16 and elsewhere in that document) that it is "very important to protect the integrity of the DSO programme and ensure that any disruption to DTT viewers is minimised". In this regard, it is worth highlighting two of Ofcom's DTT migration criteria, namely: "existing authorised and planned users of channels 61 and 62 should not bear extra costs that must reasonably be incurred in order to clear the spectrum" "any solution should be consistent with existing policy objectives for DTT coverage after DSO, and the process should aim to minimise the impact on viewers of broadcasts from the existing DTT multiplexes" These criteria mean that the existing DTT multiplex operators should not bear additional costs as a result of this process, and arguably most importantly in the current context that DTT coverage should be maintained, and disruption to DTT viewers should be minimised. Ofcom stated (at paragraph 1.17 of the above-named statement) that: "We have therefore decided to adopt the DTT migration criteria and we will develop plans for implementation [of the 800 MHz clearance programme] with reference to these." Given this commitment, it would be inappropriate if Ofcom were now to implement the 800 MHz award in such a way that would permit significant and harmful interference, and which would therefore undermine the consumer benefits delivered by the DTT platform. However, Ofcom s consultation on co-existence of new services in the 800 MHz band with DTT television (published on 2 June 2011) set out Ofcom s own analysis that Page 5 of 6

6 new 4G mobile services could adversely affect DTT reception in 760,000 UK households. As far as we are aware, the 800 MHz award represents the first time in the UK that a regulator will license a new service knowing in advance that the new service will adversely impact on an existing service, and moreover that the regulator has expressed a view in advance that it is acceptable for some users of the existing service to have their access to that service either impaired or completely removed. In the past, conditions would have been placed on the new licensee requiring it to protect existing services rather than to adopt post-event mitigations as Ofcom is now exploring. In contrast to Ofcom s apparent approach, we consider that the appropriate starting point would be for Ofcom to put in place effective intervention to prevent interference before it happens. We consider that the ideal solution would be to put guard bands in place to ensure that DTT is properly protected and that any deviation from this approach would have to be clearly justified. It is also important to be clear that managing viewer issues for DTT interference is likely to involve questions of a significantly different kind to those that have arisen during the DSO process. Whereas switchover concerns events on specific dates, with any side issues arising primarily in the weeks and months following the specific DSO date, DTT interference will be much more complex and could happen over a period of many months or even years. Therefore, if Ofcom decides not to implement guard bands to minimise the interference risk, due to this complexity we consider that the licences for new services in the 800 MHz band should contain stringent information, notification and staggering provisions around the roll-out of new services, so as to ensure that there is sufficient time and scope for effective consumer communication and remedial action. Helpfully, Ofcom has expressed its intention to work with DTT stakeholders, Government and new licensees in the 800 MHz band to ensure that DTT is properly protected, through the appointment of a single organisation to manage the DTT interference issues. Ofcom is currently consulting on its high-level approach, and intends to issue a further more detailed consultation later in 2011 regarding the DTT protection body. We hope that DTT interference will be properly mitigated, and therefore that adverse consumer impacts will be minimised. However, we would urge the Select Committee to keep a watching brief on this issue, and to encourage Ofcom and Government to ensure that new mobile services do not create a threat to the very significant consumer and citizen value delivered by the DTT platform. Page 6 of 6

Interim use of 600 MHz for DTT

Interim use of 600 MHz for DTT Interim use of 600 MHz for DTT Executive summary The BBC, Channel 4 and Arqiva have developed a proposal to make interim use of the 600 MHz band to provide additional Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)

More information

Response to Ofcom Consultation The future use of the 700MHz band. Response from Freesat. 29 August 2014

Response to Ofcom Consultation The future use of the 700MHz band. Response from Freesat. 29 August 2014 Response to Ofcom Consultation The future use of the 700MHz band Response from Freesat 29 August 2014 1 1 About Freesat Freesat is a subscription free satellite and IP TV service offering digital television

More information

Code of Practice on Changes to Existing Transmission and Reception Arrangements

Code of Practice on Changes to Existing Transmission and Reception Arrangements Code of Practice on Changes to Existing Transmission and Reception Arrangements Publication date: 11 March 2016 Code of Practice on Changes to Existing Transmission and Reception Arrangements Contents

More information

The Future of Digital Terrestrial Television Enabling new services for viewers

The Future of Digital Terrestrial Television Enabling new services for viewers Ofcom The Future of Digital Terrestrial Television Enabling new services for viewers Ofcom Consumer Workshop 19 February 2008 Ofcom 1 Objectives of DTT consumer workshop To review the proposals outlined

More information

Digital Switchover Management of Transition Coverage Issues Statement

Digital Switchover Management of Transition Coverage Issues Statement Digital Switchover Management of Transition Coverage Issues Statement Statement Publication date: 16 May 2007 Contents Section Annex Page 1 Summary 1 2 Introduction 2 3 Comments received on the revised

More information

The long term future of UHF spectrum

The long term future of UHF spectrum The long term future of UHF spectrum A response by Vodafone to the Ofcom discussion paper Developing a framework for the long term future of UHF spectrum bands IV and V 1 Introduction 15 June 2011 (amended

More information

Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The balance of payments between television platforms and public service broadcasters

Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The balance of payments between television platforms and public service broadcasters Response to consultation: Department for Culture, Media and Sport The balance of payments between television platforms and public service broadcasters 26 June 2015 1 [BLANK] 2 1. Introduction About Digital

More information

Maximising the benefits of 700 MHz clearance. Enabling acceleration of 700 MHz clearance and use of the 700 MHz centre gap

Maximising the benefits of 700 MHz clearance. Enabling acceleration of 700 MHz clearance and use of the 700 MHz centre gap Maximising the benefits of 700 MHz clearance Enabling acceleration of 700 MHz clearance and use of the 700 MHz centre gap Statement Publication date: 17 th October 2016 Statement Maximising the benefits

More information

Future pricing of spectrum used for terrestrial broadcasting A consultation

Future pricing of spectrum used for terrestrial broadcasting A consultation Future pricing of spectrum used for terrestrial broadcasting A consultation Consultation Publication date: 27 July 2006 Closing Date for Responses: 27 October 2006 Contents Section Annex Page 1 Executive

More information

DTG Response to Ofcom Consultation: Licensing Local Television How Ofcom would exercise its new powers and duties being proposed by Government

DTG Response to Ofcom Consultation: Licensing Local Television How Ofcom would exercise its new powers and duties being proposed by Government DTG Response to Ofcom Consultation: Licensing Local Television How Ofcom would exercise its new powers and duties being proposed by Government 16 th March 2012 The Digital TV Group s (DTG) response to

More information

6.3 DRIVERS OF CONSUMER ADOPTION

6.3 DRIVERS OF CONSUMER ADOPTION 6.3 DRIVERS OF CONSUMER ADOPTION The main drivers for the take-up of DTT by consumers in South Africa are likely to be: Affordability of STBs and potential subsidies for STBs is the single most important

More information

Licence for the transmission of digital terrestrial television multiplex service

Licence for the transmission of digital terrestrial television multiplex service 1 Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 Licence for the transmission of digital terrestrial television multiplex service Date of Issue 6 July 2007 Licensee Company number (if a company) Registered address of Licensee

More information

UK 700MHz Strategy and Digital Terrestrial Television update. Chris Woolford, Director of International Affairs, Ofcom 3 rd October 2013

UK 700MHz Strategy and Digital Terrestrial Television update. Chris Woolford, Director of International Affairs, Ofcom 3 rd October 2013 UK 700MHz Strategy and Digital Terrestrial Television update Chris Woolford, Director of International Affairs, Ofcom 3 rd October 2013 1 Ofcom decided on its UHF strategy last year Our dual objectives

More information

Would they help people with visual impairments, and are they feasible?

Would they help people with visual impairments, and are they feasible? Response to Ofcom Call For Inputs Speaking TV programme guides: Would they help people with visual impairments, and are they feasible? 8 September 2014 This response is submitted by Digital UK on behalf

More information

Introduction. Introductory remarks

Introduction. Introductory remarks Communications Consumer Panel and ACOD s response to Ofcom s consultation on the UK preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) Introduction The Communications Consumer Panel

More information

Maximising the benefits of 700 MHz clearance

Maximising the benefits of 700 MHz clearance Response to Ofcom consultation Maximising the benefits of 700 MHz clearance 20 May 2016 This response is submitted by Digital UK on behalf of its Members the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Arqiva - the holders

More information

700 MHz clearance programme timescale review. Review of progress, risks and readiness

700 MHz clearance programme timescale review. Review of progress, risks and readiness 700 MHz clearance programme timescale review Review of progress, risks and readiness Publication Date: 13 December 2018 About this document When confirming the timescales for the delivery of the 700 MHz

More information

So much for OFCOM being the 'consumer champion' of the UK general public.

So much for OFCOM being the 'consumer champion' of the UK general public. Question 1: which services are most likely to drive take up of DTT consumer reception equipment using new technologies? In particular, are HD services the most likely to do so?: This question is facetious.

More information

ITU-D Regional Development Forum for the Arab Region: Access to spectrum, including broadcasting services trends and technologies

ITU-D Regional Development Forum for the Arab Region: Access to spectrum, including broadcasting services trends and technologies ITU-D Regional Development Forum for the Arab Region: Access to spectrum, including broadcasting services trends and technologies Experiences in the transition process Péter Vári Tunis, 3 June 2009 1 Timeline

More information

Managing the effects of 700 MHz clearance on PMSE and DTT viewers. Summary of progress and call for input

Managing the effects of 700 MHz clearance on PMSE and DTT viewers. Summary of progress and call for input Managing the effects of 700 MHz clearance on PMSE and DTT viewers Summary of progress and call for input Call for Input Publication date: 31 March 2016 Closing Date for Responses: 13 May 2016 About this

More information

BBC Response to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Draft Spectrum Plan

BBC Response to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Draft Spectrum Plan BBC Response to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Draft Spectrum Plan Response to Draft Spectrum Consultation Glasgow 2014 Page 1 of 8 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 The BBC welcomes Ofcom s engagement with stakeholders

More information

TEN TRANSFERABLE LESSONS FROM THE UK S DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER PROGRAMME

TEN TRANSFERABLE LESSONS FROM THE UK S DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER PROGRAMME TEN TRANSFERABLE LESSONS FROM THE UK S DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER PROGRAMME Introduction The UK s digital TV switchover programme has been completed in nearly 25% of the country, and remains on track to finish

More information

Ofcom s second public service broadcasting review Phase 2: preparing for the digital future - Response from Nickelodeon UK

Ofcom s second public service broadcasting review Phase 2: preparing for the digital future - Response from Nickelodeon UK Ofcom s second public service broadcasting review Phase 2: preparing for the digital future - Response from Nickelodeon UK Nickelodeon UK Nickelodeon UK is the No. commercial children s TV network in the

More information

EBU view How should we use the digital dividend?

EBU view How should we use the digital dividend? EBU view How should we use the digital dividend? Long-term public interest versus short-term profit Revised April 2009 CONTENT How should we use the digital dividend? The EBU s key concerns Why is the

More information

Should AIP be applied to broadcasting spectrum? Report for the BBC and Channel 4

Should AIP be applied to broadcasting spectrum? Report for the BBC and Channel 4 Should AIP be applied to broadcasting spectrum? Report for the BBC and Channel 4 Final report 15 May 2013 Should AIP be applied to broadcasting spectrum? Page 2 Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. No

More information

Springhead Road, Northfleet Kent, DA11 8HN Tel: web:

Springhead Road, Northfleet Kent, DA11 8HN Tel: web: Championing excellence and diversity in broadcasting Founded in 1983 by Jocelyn Hay CBE The Old Rectory Business Centre Springhead Road, Northfleet Kent, DA11 8HN Tel: 01474 338716 email: info@vlv.org.uk

More information

Broadcast TV Technical Codes. Updates and amendments

Broadcast TV Technical Codes. Updates and amendments Broadcast TV Technical Codes Updates and amendments Statement Publication date: 9 November 2016 1 About this document Ofcom sets technical standards for the digital terrestrial TV platform (also often

More information

The Telecommunications Act Chap. 47:31

The Telecommunications Act Chap. 47:31 The Telecommunications Act Chap. 47:31 4 th September 2013 Presentation Overview Legislative Mandate Limitations of Telecommunications Act Proposed Amendments to Telecommunications Act New Technological

More information

Freeview. Response to Information Request: Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast Licences

Freeview. Response to Information Request: Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast Licences Freeview Response to Information Request: Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast Licences 30 th May 2014 1 Introduction This document is Freeview s response to the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment

More information

4.1. Improving consumers' experience by ensuring high quality standards for terrestrial digital television receivers in Europe

4.1. Improving consumers' experience by ensuring high quality standards for terrestrial digital television receivers in Europe European Broadcasting Union Union Européenne de Radio-Télévision 3 September 2009 EBU Response to the EC Consultation document 'Transforming the digital dividend opportunity into social benefits and economic

More information

Consultation on the allocation of LCN 7. Published: Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Consultation on the allocation of LCN 7. Published: Wednesday, 16 December 2015 Consultation on the allocation of LCN 7 Published: Wednesday, 16 December 2015 Responses by: Friday, 22 January 2016 CONTENTS 1 Introduction... 3 2 Background... 3 2.1 BBC Trust decision... 3 2.2 Provisions

More information

UKTV response to Ofcom consultation: Notice of proposed change to L-DTPS licence obligations of ESTV Limited (the local TV Licensee for London)

UKTV response to Ofcom consultation: Notice of proposed change to L-DTPS licence obligations of ESTV Limited (the local TV Licensee for London) UKTV response to Ofcom consultation: Notice of proposed change to L-DTPS licence obligations of ESTV Limited (the local TV Licensee for London) Responses close: 26 August 2014, 10am About UKTV UKTV is

More information

Contestable PSB Funding: Delivering Diversity

Contestable PSB Funding: Delivering Diversity December 2008 Contestable PSB Funding: Delivering Diversity Final report 2 Contestable PSB funding: Delivering Diversity Contents 1. Introduction: the case for modification to the existing delivery structure

More information

DIGITAL SWITCHOVER & THE BBC S ROLE

DIGITAL SWITCHOVER & THE BBC S ROLE DIGITAL SWITCHOVER & THE BBC S ROLE Dr David Levy Controller, Public Policy BBC OXFORD UNIVERSITY, JULY 2006 1 2 What s special about Digital TV? Changing standards is relatively common Gas, Currencies

More information

Managing the effects of 700MHz clearance on PMSE and DTT viewers

Managing the effects of 700MHz clearance on PMSE and DTT viewers Response to Ofcom call for input Managing the effects of 700MHz clearance on PMSE and DTT viewers 13 May 2016 This response is submitted by Digital UK on behalf of its Members the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and

More information

DIGITAL MIGRATION WORKING GROUP WORKING COMMITTEE REPORT ON ECONOMIC SCENARIOS AND CONSUMER ISSUES FOR DIGITAL MIGRATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

DIGITAL MIGRATION WORKING GROUP WORKING COMMITTEE REPORT ON ECONOMIC SCENARIOS AND CONSUMER ISSUES FOR DIGITAL MIGRATION IN SOUTH AFRICA DIGITAL MIGRATION WORKING GROUP WORKING COMMITTEE REPORT ON ECONOMIC SCENARIOS AND CONSUMER ISSUES FOR DIGITAL MIGRATION IN SOUTH AFRICA 15 th November 2006 2 1. INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

More information

Coexistence of new services in the 800 MHz band with digital terrestrial television

Coexistence of new services in the 800 MHz band with digital terrestrial television Coexistence of new services in the 800 MHz band with digital terrestrial television Consultation Publication date: 2 June 2011 Closing Date for Responses: 11 August 2011 Coexistence of new services in

More information

Arqiva Launching a TV channel on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Launching a TV channel on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)

Arqiva Launching a TV channel on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Launching a TV channel on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Launching a TV channel on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) 1 Launching a TV channel on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) This document is a quick reference guide for anyone looking to launch a channel

More information

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is a Great European Success Story. Challenges for DTT. The European Spectrum Discussion

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is a Great European Success Story. Challenges for DTT. The European Spectrum Discussion Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is a Great European Success Story Challenges for DTT The European Spectrum Discussion ITU-D and National Media and Infocommunications Authority Seminar Budapest, January

More information

1. Introduction. 2. Part A: Executive Summary

1. Introduction. 2. Part A: Executive Summary MTN'S RESPONSE TO ICASA'S INQUIRY INTO SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION BROADCASTING SERVICES IN TERMS OF SECTION 4 B OF THE ICASA ACT 13 OF 2000 IN GORVENMENT GAZETTE NO. 41070 DATED 25 AUGUST 2017 1 P a g e 1.

More information

Free to view TV for the connected age

Free to view TV for the connected age Free to view TV for the connected age Update: July 2015 Chair s Report Caroline Thomson Contents Chair s Report 03 Chief Executive s Report 04 TV today and tomorrow 06 Freeview Play 08 Research and viewing

More information

The social and cultural purposes of television today.

The social and cultural purposes of television today. Equity response to Public Service Television for the 21st Century A Public Inquiry Equity is the UK based union representing over 39,000 creative workers. Our membership includes actors and other performers

More information

Ofcom review of public service television broadcasting. Phase 3 Competition for quality

Ofcom review of public service television broadcasting. Phase 3 Competition for quality Ofcom review of public service television broadcasting Phase 3 Competition for quality Issued: 8 February 2005 Contents Page Foreword 2 1 Executive summary 5 2 Securing PSB in the digital age 20 3 Reflecting

More information

North West Media Briefing

North West Media Briefing Digital Television Switchover North West Media Briefing Gemma McNeilis Smith & Smith PR 0161 236 5560 / 07962 532 098 gemma@smithandsmithpr.co.uk October 2009 What is digital TV switchover? Switchover

More information

In accordance with the Trust s Syndication Policy for BBC on-demand content. 2

In accordance with the Trust s Syndication Policy for BBC on-demand content. 2 BBC One This service licence describes the most important characteristics of BBC One, including how it contributes to the BBC s public purposes. Service Licences are the core of the BBC s governance system.

More information

In this submission, Ai Group s comments focus on four key areas relevant to the objectives of this review:

In this submission, Ai Group s comments focus on four key areas relevant to the objectives of this review: 26 March 2015 Mr Joe Sheehan Manager, Services and Regulation Section - Media Branch Department of Communications GPO Box 2154 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Dear Mr Sheehan, DIGITAL TELEVISION REGULATION REVIEW The

More information

Submission to: A Future for Public Service Television: Content and Platforms in a Digital World - A Public Inquiry: Chaired by Lord Puttnam

Submission to: A Future for Public Service Television: Content and Platforms in a Digital World - A Public Inquiry: Chaired by Lord Puttnam Submission to: A Future for Public Service Television: Content and Platforms in a Digital World - A Public Inquiry: Chaired by Lord Puttnam The contribution of the UK s commercial public service broadcasters

More information

e.tv SUBMISSION ON DRAFT SPECTRUM ASSIGNMENT PLAN FOR THE COMBINED LICENSING OF THE 800MHZ AND 2.6GHZ BANDS 29 February 2012

e.tv SUBMISSION ON DRAFT SPECTRUM ASSIGNMENT PLAN FOR THE COMBINED LICENSING OF THE 800MHZ AND 2.6GHZ BANDS 29 February 2012 e.tv SUBMISSION ON DRAFT SPECTRUM ASSIGNMENT PLAN FOR THE COMBINED LICENSING OF THE 800MHZ AND 2.6GHZ BANDS 29 February 2012 1 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 On 15 December 2011 in Notice 911, ICASA published Government

More information

Securing long term benefits from scarce spectrum resources. A strategy for UHF bands IV and V

Securing long term benefits from scarce spectrum resources. A strategy for UHF bands IV and V Securing long term benefits from scarce spectrum resources A strategy for UHF bands IV and V Consultation Publication date: 29 March 2012 Closing Date for Responses: 7 June 2012 Contents Section Page

More information

Arqiva response to digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band

Arqiva response to digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band About Arqiva Arqiva response to digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band Arqiva has its headquarters in Hampshire, with other major UK offices in Warwick, London, Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire. It now

More information

Independent TV: Content Regulation and the Communications Bill 2002

Independent TV: Content Regulation and the Communications Bill 2002 Franco-British Lawyers Society, 13 th Colloquium, Oxford, 20-21 September 2002 Independent TV: Content Regulation and the Communications Bill 2002 1. The Communications Bill will re-structure the statutory

More information

About us. Contents. Overview. TV Trends. The Big Numbers. Evolving Freeview. 700MHz Clearance. Working with Digital UK. Digital UK Update: 2018

About us. Contents. Overview. TV Trends. The Big Numbers. Evolving Freeview. 700MHz Clearance. Working with Digital UK. Digital UK Update: 2018 Update: 2018 Digital UK Update: 2018 02 About us Digital UK leads development of Freeview, the nation's most widely used television platform. Our goal is to create the best free TV service, both live and

More information

AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION AND RADIO ASSOCIATION

AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION AND RADIO ASSOCIATION 7 December 2015 Intellectual Property Arrangements Inquiry Productivity Commission GPO Box 1428 CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601 By email: intellectual.property@pc.gov.au Dear Sir/Madam The Australian Subscription

More information

THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION

THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION Purpose of this document This document sets out the BBC Trust s response to the Ofcom consultation document on the future of digital terrestrial television

More information

STAATSKOERANT, 17 FEBRUARIE 2012 No GOVERNMENT NOTICE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ACT, 2005 (ACT NO.

STAATSKOERANT, 17 FEBRUARIE 2012 No GOVERNMENT NOTICE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ACT, 2005 (ACT NO. STAATSKOERANT, 17 FEBRUARIE 2012 No.35051 3 GOVERNMENT NOTICE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS No. 124 17 February 2012 ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ACT, 2005 (ACT NO. 36 OF 2005) SUBSTITUTION OF PARAGRAPHS 1

More information

Official Journal of the European Union L 117/95

Official Journal of the European Union L 117/95 11.5.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 117/95 COMMISSION DECISION of 6 May 2010 on harmonised technical conditions of use in the 790-862 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of

More information

FAQ s DTT 1. What is DTT? 2. What is the difference between terrestrial television and satellite television?

FAQ s DTT 1. What is DTT? 2. What is the difference between terrestrial television and satellite television? FAQ s ABOUT DTT 1. What is DTT? - DTT stands for Digital Terrestrial Television or Digital Terrestrial Transmission. It refers to the broadcasting of terrestrial television in a digital format. Currently,

More information

British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG)

British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG) British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG) Response to consultation Developing a framework for the long term future of UHF spectrum bands IV and V Date: 14 th June 2011 Contact Details: Fiona Graham

More information

Policy on the syndication of BBC on-demand content

Policy on the syndication of BBC on-demand content Policy on the syndication of BBC on-demand content Syndication of BBC on-demand content Purpose 1. This policy is intended to provide third parties, the BBC Executive (hereafter, the Executive) and licence

More information

National Association Of Broadcasters 1

National Association Of Broadcasters 1 Presented by: Mr. Philly Moilwa- Deputy Chairperson Ms. Dimakatso Qocha- Deputy Executive Director 25 June 2014 Bakubung Bush Lodge, Pilanesberg National Park Broadcasters 1 1. Trends in broadcasting in

More information

Note for Applicants on Coverage of Forth Valley Local Television

Note for Applicants on Coverage of Forth Valley Local Television Note for Applicants on Coverage of Forth Valley Local Television Publication date: May 2014 Contents Section Page 1 Transmitter location 2 2 Assumptions and Caveats 3 3 Indicative Household Coverage 7

More information

Conversion of Analogue Television Networks to Digital Television Networks

Conversion of Analogue Television Networks to Digital Television Networks Conversion of Analogue Television Networks to Digital Television Networks Sara Elvidge-Tappenden Spectrum Planning Group, BBC R&D 1 Introduction There are many possible planning approaches for the design

More information

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS SUBMISSION TO THE PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE ASTRONOMY GEOGRAPHIC

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS SUBMISSION TO THE PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE ASTRONOMY GEOGRAPHIC NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS SUBMISSION TO THE PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE ASTRONOMY GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE BILL [B17-2007] 20 JULY 2007 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1

More information

Reorganisation of the DTT LCN listing and changes to Digital UK s LCN Policy STATEMENT

Reorganisation of the DTT LCN listing and changes to Digital UK s LCN Policy STATEMENT Reorganisation of the DTT LCN listing and changes to Digital UK s LCN Policy STATEMENT Published: 3 April 2017 1 [BLANK] 2 Contents 1 Executive Summary... 4 1.1 Introduction... 4 1.2 The consultation...

More information

Awarding the UK s digital dividend

Awarding the UK s digital dividend Digital dividend: challenges and opportunities in the new digital era Awarding the UK s digital dividend Matthew Conway, Director of Operations, Spectrum Policy Group February 24, 2009 1 What is the UK

More information

Review of television production sector. Project terms of reference

Review of television production sector. Project terms of reference Review of television production sector Project terms of reference Issued: 11 May 2005 Contents Section 1 Introduction 1 2 Background to regulation in the sector 4 3 Reviewing the case for intervention

More information

Annex J: Outline for Bhutan DTV Road Map

Annex J: Outline for Bhutan DTV Road Map Annex J: Outline for Bhutan DTV Road Map A Guide for the Working Committee This is an outline of a possible form of a final report of the Working Committee, which could then easily be converted to the

More information

Switchover to Digital Broadcasting

Switchover to Digital Broadcasting Switchover to Digital Broadcasting Enio Haxhimihali INTRO EU countries have progressed in their implementation of digital networks and switch-off of analogue broadcasting. Most of them have now switched

More information

SOUTH AFRICA BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION (BDM) A Z. the doc

SOUTH AFRICA BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION (BDM) A Z. the doc GODIGITAL SOUTH AFRICA BROADCASTING DIGITAL MIGRATION (BDM) A Z the doc The Department of Communications (DoC) developed the Go DIGITAL South Africa booklet to educate, inform and create awareness about

More information

Draft Framework for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting in Trinidad and Tobago

Draft Framework for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting in Trinidad and Tobago Draft Framework for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting in Trinidad and Tobago 15 th November 2011 Ryan James Broadcast Engineer Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Digital Terrestrial

More information

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTER S WRITTEN SUBMISSION ON THE INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF SOUTH AFRICA S DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON THE

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTER S WRITTEN SUBMISSION ON THE INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF SOUTH AFRICA S DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON THE THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTER S WRITTEN SUBMISSION ON THE INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF SOUTH AFRICA S DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON THE REGULATION OF IPTV AND VOD 26 MARCH 2010 1. Introduction

More information

National Grid Wireless response to DTT consultation. About National Grid Wireless

National Grid Wireless response to DTT consultation. About National Grid Wireless National Grid Wireless response to DTT consultation. About National Grid Wireless National Grid Wireless (NGW) is a licensed operator of two of the UK s six Digital Terrestrial Television Multiplexes and

More information

Review of the cross-promotion rules Statement

Review of the cross-promotion rules Statement Review of the cross-promotion rules Statement Statement Publication date: 9 May 2006 Contents Section Annex Page 1 Summary 1 2 Background and introduction 5 3 Regulating cross-promotion relationships

More information

Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Australian Broadcasting Corporation submission to Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Response to the Discussion Paper Content and access: The future of program standards and

More information

Digital Terrestrial Television in the Czech Republic

Digital Terrestrial Television in the Czech Republic Digital Terrestrial Television in the Czech Republic Dr Petr Vitek,, Czech Television DigiTAG seminar Skopje, 8 June 2005 Presented by Ed Wilson DigiTAG Project Manager Current situation in the Czech Republic

More information

Delivering Quality First consultation. Submission to BBC Trust from BBC Audience Council for Scotland. December 2011

Delivering Quality First consultation. Submission to BBC Trust from BBC Audience Council for Scotland. December 2011 Delivering Quality First consultation Submission to BBC Trust from BBC Audience Council for Scotland 1. Exec Summary December 2011 Members believe that the DQF proposals offer a practical high-level framework

More information

Preparatory study for UHF spectrum award

Preparatory study for UHF spectrum award Final report for Ofcom Preparatory study for UHF spectrum award 19 December 2006 Ref: 279-510 Contents 0 Executive summary i 0.1 Background i 0.2 Potential uses of digital dividend spectrum iii 0.3 Compatibility

More information

Digital Dividend and the Migration to Mpeg4/HDTV. The Swedish Case. EBU, 3 June Jan-Olof Gurinder

Digital Dividend and the Migration to Mpeg4/HDTV. The Swedish Case. EBU, 3 June Jan-Olof Gurinder Digital Dividend and the Migration to Mpeg4/HDTV The Swedish Case EBU, 3 June 2008 Jan-Olof Gurinder Head of Distribution, SVT Prerequisites Analogue/digital switchover completed in October 2007 Original

More information

DVB-T2 Transmission System in the GE-06 Plan

DVB-T2 Transmission System in the GE-06 Plan IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry (IOSR-JAC) e-issn: 2278-5736.Volume 11, Issue 2 Ver. II (February. 2018), PP 66-70 www.iosrjournals.org DVB-T2 Transmission System in the GE-06 Plan Loreta Andoni PHD

More information

The Communications Market: Digital Progress Report

The Communications Market: Digital Progress Report The Communications Market: Digital Progress Report Digital TV, 2009 This is Ofcom s twenty-third Digital Progress Report covering developments in multichannel television. The data are the latest available

More information

The transition to Digital Terrestrial TV and utilisation of the digital dividend in Europe

The transition to Digital Terrestrial TV and utilisation of the digital dividend in Europe ITU NMHH Workshop on Spectrum Management and Transition to DTT The transition to Digital Terrestrial TV and utilisation of the digital dividend in Europe Andreas Roever* Principal Administrator Broadcast

More information

Broadcasting Digital Migration Made Easy

Broadcasting Digital Migration Made Easy Broadcasting Digital Migration Made Easy Preamble Television broadcasting in southern Africa commenced around 1974. The analogue broadcasting standard employed was PAL I. As is the case for the rest of

More information

Future broadband Policy approach to next generation access

Future broadband Policy approach to next generation access Future broadband Policy approach to next generation access Dougal Scott 26 September 2007 Ofcom The UK has displayed a good performance in terms of current generation broadband More than 60% of homes can

More information

MEDIA WITH A PURPOSE public service broadcasting in the digital age November 2002

MEDIA WITH A PURPOSE public service broadcasting in the digital age November 2002 The Report of the EBU Digital Strategy Group MEDIA WITH A PURPOSE public service broadcasting in the digital age November 2002 Supplementary summary Part 1: New Maps of Media Space What is the future of

More information

7. For example in relation to Northern Ireland,

7. For example in relation to Northern Ireland, 1. Northern Ireland Screen is very disappointed by OFCOM s proposal to accept the Channel 4 promoted suggestion to set the Out of England quota at 9% by 2020. 2. With over 60% of the consultation responses

More information

Via

Via Howard Slawner 350 Bloor Street East, 6th Floor Toronto, ON M4W 0A1 howard.slawner@rci.rogers.com o 416.935.7009 m 416.371.6708 Via email: ic.spectrumengineering-genieduspectre.ic@canada.ca Senior Director

More information

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA. N$4.00 WINDHOEK - 11 July 2014 No. 5507

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA. N$4.00 WINDHOEK - 11 July 2014 No. 5507 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA N$4.00 WINDHOEK - 11 July 2014 No. 5507 CONTENTS Page GENERAL NOTICES No. 193 Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia: Notice in terms of the Regulations

More information

Guidelines for ASEAN Digital Switch-Over

Guidelines for ASEAN Digital Switch-Over Guidelines for ASEAN Digital Switch-Over Introduction to the Guidelines The migration from analogue to digital TV broadcasting services is a complex process, involving decisions on the regulator/ government,

More information

The BBC s Draft Distribution Policy. Consultation Document

The BBC s Draft Distribution Policy. Consultation Document The BBC s Draft Distribution Policy Consultation Document Published: 12 February 2018 About the consultation Purpose 1. The BBC has opened a consultation in order to seek feedback on its draft Distribution

More information

Council of the European Union Brussels, 11 January 2017 (OR. en)

Council of the European Union Brussels, 11 January 2017 (OR. en) Council of the European Union Brussels, 11 January 2017 (OR. en) Interinstitutional File: 2016/0027 (COD) 5078/17 TELECOM 1 AUDIO 2 MI 14 CODEC 15 NOTE From: To: No. Cion doc.: Subject: Presidency Permanent

More information

Summary of responses to the recent Questionnaire on:

Summary of responses to the recent Questionnaire on: Summary of responses to the recent Questionnaire on: The long term spectrum requirements for television broadcasting in the European Union including the number of TV services, HDTV, interactive services,

More information

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 OCDE OECD ORGANISATION DE COOPÉRATION ET ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC DE DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUES CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 BROADCASTING: Regulatory Issues Country: Norway

More information

REGULATING THE BBC AS A PUBLIC SERVICE. Michael Starks Associate, Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy Oxford University*

REGULATING THE BBC AS A PUBLIC SERVICE. Michael Starks Associate, Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy Oxford University* REGULATING THE BBC AS A PUBLIC SERVICE Michael Starks Associate, Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy Oxford University* The context 2016 will present a fork in the road for the BBC s future.

More information

Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band. Notice No. SLPB Published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 Dated January 3, 2015

Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band. Notice No. SLPB Published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 Dated January 3, 2015 Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band Notice No. SLPB-005-14 Published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 Dated January 3, 2015 Comments of Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

More information

The Communications Market: Digital Progress Report

The Communications Market: Digital Progress Report The Communications Market: Digital Progress Report Digital TV, Q2 2007 This is the fifteenth Ofcom Digital Progress Report covering developments in digital television take-up. The data are the latest available

More information

Radio Spectrum the EBU Q&A

Radio Spectrum the EBU Q&A 1 Radio Spectrum the EBU Q&A What is spectrum and what is it used for? Spectrum or radio spectrum is the range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used to transmit signals wirelessly. Radio frequencies

More information

BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra

BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra This service licence describes the most important characteristics of BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra, including how it contributes to the BBC s public purposes. Service Licences

More information

The Digital Dividend: THE challenge for digital TV

The Digital Dividend: THE challenge for digital TV ITU-D Regional Seminar for Europe, 29-31 January 2014, Budapest The Digital Dividend: THE challenge for digital TV Elena Puigrefagut European Broadcasting Union 1. THE CASE OF HIGHER CAPACITY/SPEED OF

More information

BBC Trust Changes to HD channels Assessment of significance

BBC Trust Changes to HD channels Assessment of significance BBC Trust Changes to HD channels Assessment of significance May 2012 Getting the best out of the BBC for licence fee payers Contents BBC Trust / Assessment of significance The Trust s decision 1 Background

More information

Government Gazette Staatskoerant

Government Gazette Staatskoerant Government Gazette Staatskoerant REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA Vol. 572 Pretoria, 18 February Februarie 2013 No. 36170 N.B. The Government Printing Works will not be held responsible

More information