ITU Regional Workshop on on Efficiency of the Frequency Spectrum Use in the Arab Region Amman (Jordan), 5 – 7 Decembe

1. ITU Regional Workshop onon Efficiency of theFrequency Spectrum Use in the Arab RegionAmman (Jordan), 5 – 7 December 2011 Digital Migration Roadmap Presented by Ms. Rouda Al Amir Ali ITU Arab Regional Office ITU Arab Regional Office

2. INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION • Initial outline of the project related to the regional Initiative on digital television transition in the Arab region ITU Arab Regional Office

3. Initial outline of the project Content • Objective • Main topics to be addressed • Scope of the project • Activities • Expected results Subject to change • Feedback from workshop on spectrum management in Amman • Further considerations in ITU ITU Arab Regional Office

4. Objective Assistance to ITU member states in the Arab region • To make the gradual transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting • To enjoy the benefits of digital broadcasting technologies, including enhanced broadcasting services • To prepare for broadcasting via mobile and handheld receiving devices in future • Taking into account the results of the questionnaire sent to administrations in the Arab region In the period 2012 - 2014 • To prepare for the end of the transition period as defined in the Geneva 2006 Agreement (Art 12) • In June 2015 • In June 2020 in VHF in 10 Arab states ITU Arab Regional Office

5. Roadmap for transition to digital television Main topics to be addressed Basis for roadmap • The functional framework and methodology described in the ITU Guidelines • Current national TV market and regulatory framework • Nationally agreed Digital Switch-Over objectives Greatest challenge • To meet the national Digital Switch-Over objectives, • Including the Analogue Switch-Off date in June 2015 (and 2020 in VHF in 10 Arab states) • To avoid service interruption, or even service termination for existing analogue TV viewers Conditions to be fulfilled for a successful transition • Strong leadership from government • Firm decision that sets the Analogue TV Switch-Off date • Close cooperation between Regulator and market parties • Clear and timely regulatory framework • Adequate information and assistance to viewers ITU Arab Regional Office

6. Applications for enhanced broadcasting Main topics to be addressed Three enhanced broadcasting concepts • TV anytime • Aiming at watching a programme at the time of choice of the viewer • TV anywhere • Aiming at watching a programme at the location of choice of the viewer • Interactivity • Aiming at contributing, reacting or searching for more information to a programme by the viewer Developments supporting enhanced broadcasting services • Networks • Broadcast networks designed for portable and mobile reception • Fixed and mobile broadband networks • Wireless domestic broadband connections (wifi) • Terminal devices • Increased use of smart phones and tablet PCs • Hard disk recorders • Broadcast facilities • Websites (such as BCC iplayer, ARD Mediathek) ITU Arab Regional Office

7. Regulatory framework Main topics to be addressed Content Content Multiplex Service Content Creators Aggregators Providers Distributors Operator Convergence between broadcasting and telecom • Convergence has impact on regulatory framework at three levels • Networks; different types of network (satellite, cable, broadband) are able to provide similar services • Devices; TV sets, PCs, smart phones, tablet PCs are able to receive broadcast services • Industry convergence; broadcast and telecom network providers are often also broadcast service providers Multiplex operator new entity in broadcast value chain • Multiplex operator • Merges various programme streams into a single data stream which is transported to the digital TV transmitters • Controls the number of services in the multiplex, the robustness of reception and picture and sound quality of the services • The function of the multiplex operator has impact on • The licensing model • Network management and allocation of tasks and assets ITU Arab Regional Office

8. Mobile TV (MTV) Main topics to be addressed Various delivery means, technical standards and receivers • Broadcasting to handheld devices • Networks • Digital TV (DTTB) networks (e.g. DVB-T; ISDB-T; DVB-T2-lite) • MTV networks (e.g. DVB-H, T-DMB) • Mobile communication networks (3G/4G) • Receivers • Mobile phones with DTTB or MTV decoders • Smart phones and tablet PCs with IP wireless broadband reception Market unclear • Market prospective variable • MTV successful in Japan and Korea • MTV services stopped in Europe • No successful business case MTV perspective • MTV developments should be observed before taking decisions on standards, services and frequency assignments • Provisions should be made to allow future introduction ITU Arab Regional Office

9. Scope of the project 1) Observation of developments ITU Arab Regional Office

10. Activities Information exchange • Questionnaire to obtain • More information on Digital Switch-Over in the Arab countries • Information on need and ability for ITU assistance in preparing the roadmap for transition to digital television Seminars and workshops • Functional framework and methodology for development of the national roadmap for transition to digital television • Developments in mobile television • Enhanced broadcasting applications and delivery • Regulatory framework for transition to digital television ITU support to selected countries • ITU experts assisting the National Roadmap Team of selected countries in preparing the national roadmap for transition to digital television Pilot project • Pilot project to demonstrate state of the art interactive services and applications ITU Arab Regional Office

11. Expected results Digital broadcasting • Harnessing the benefits of digital broadcasting applications in the Arab region • Human resources development Regulatory framework • Establishment of the requisite regulatory policies and frameworks • Human resources development Interactivity • Support to parties concerned in the field of interactive multimedia services and applications in the Arab region • Human resources development ITU Arab Regional Office

12. It is recommended that a coordination group is established in the region for harmonizing the digital broadcasting transition process, collecting relevant information and practices of countries which have already switched to digital broadcasting. This will also help in the process of capacity building and coordination of the utilization of the digital dividend. ITU Arab Regional Office

13. Thank you for your attention! Rouda Al Amir Ali ITU Arab Regional Office E-mail: rouda.alamirali@itu.int ITU Arab Regional Office