DIGITAL ALBANIA A HARD CHALLENGE Beograd 27-30 April 2009.

DIGITAL ALBANIAA

HARD CHALLENGE

Beograd 27-30 April 2009

Albania Audiovisual Landscape

Public audiovisual sector The public sector is run by the RTSH

(Albanian Radio-Television). Public television includes:

1 national television network : TVSh (Analogue terrestrial)

3 regional television networks (Analogue Terrestrial)

Public Radio includes: 2 national stations (FM) 3 regional stations (FM) 1 satellite program

Private audiovisual sector Radio:

◦ 2 national radios FM (Top Albania Radio and +2 Radio)◦ 53 local radios (FM)

Television:◦ 3 general national television networks: Klan TV, TV

Arbëria and Top Channel (Analogue Terrestrial)◦ 73 regional or local television networks (1 town up to 4

districts) of which 3 are news channels (Analogue Terrestrial)

44 cable networks, and 4 satelite networks (ALSAT, DIGITALB, Supersport,

Tring).

Albania Audiovisual Landscape

Current digital networks DIGITALB DVB-T

- Operates without a license Since July 2004. - Uses 4 frequencies over almost one third of the territory for broadcasting 38 programs. (9 to 10 programs per MUX, while the average number of programs is 5 to 7 channels - The number of subscribers is not known, however it is bigger than 100 000 households. - Decoders are locked for the frequencies other than the frequencies used by DIGITALB. - The frequencies used from DIGITALB are not respecting the Frequency Plan GE06 D

DIGITALB MOBILE DVB-H DIGITALB does also broadcast, without a license, 16 personal mobile television channels (DVB-

H norm) in an anologue frequency, which can be received by mobile phone (brand: LG model: KU 950), being sold by DIGITALB for 350 € .

TRING DVB-T Broadcasts a package of programs from Dajti site only using one frequency within the

Frequency Plan GE 06 D

SHIJAK TV DVB-T Broadcasts a package of programs from Dajti site only using one frequency within the

Frequency Plan GE 06 D

DIGITALB

• COVERAGE

Current digital networks

DIGITALB

2. ORG. SCHEEM


DIGITALB MOBILE

COVERAGE


TRING

COVERAGE


SHIJAK TV

COVERAGE

CURRENT SITUATION ON DIGITAL BROADCASTING

Licensing digital networks One of the priority objectives of NCRT for the year 2008 was the

licensing of the first digital operators

- The parliamentary Resolution forcing the licensing of unlicensed operators

- In an not fully completed legal framework - The switch over strategy not defined

In the November 2008,The NCRT announced the organization of the public competition of candidatures for licenses to build and operate 3 private national digital terrestrial networks. (Council Decision nr.726, date 08.09.2008 “About the organization of the competition of the candidatures for private operators of national digital terrestrial networks”

The deadline for presenting and the opening of applications, was set the date 24.11.2008.

There were 10 applicants registered

With the request of the candidates, the date of the competition was postponed a couple of times.

In the last date, 21.01.2009, the competition failed, because none of the candidates were present.

Licensing digital networksConclusions

Reasons of failure to license digital networks- Lack of a well defined legal framework- Lack of an approved strategy- High financial requirements (Euro 10 000 000 of

assets, 10% warranty, Yearly fee, Auction, etc)- The cooperation between operators and service and

content providers, unclear - Refusal to introduce MPEG 4 instead of existing MPEG

2- The hope of decoder subsidizing from the state- 2009 is the electoral year and it is not expected a

relevant intervention to bring the situation under the law framework

Legal reform in the media fieldLegal reform in the media field The legal reform in the media field was initiated by the Assembly, during 2008, with The legal reform in the media field was initiated by the Assembly, during 2008, with

the drafting of a new law, aiming the improvement of the legal framework and the drafting of a new law, aiming the improvement of the legal framework and bringing the media-related Albanian legislation in line with the standards and best bringing the media-related Albanian legislation in line with the standards and best practices of European countries.practices of European countries.

NCRT, as one of the stakeholders, has presented its proposals for the draft law. One NCRT, as one of the stakeholders, has presented its proposals for the draft law. One of the main proposals of NCRT is to merge in one the two actual laws, namely No of the main proposals of NCRT is to merge in one the two actual laws, namely No 8410 “On public and private radio and television” and 9742 “On digital 8410 “On public and private radio and television” and 9742 “On digital broadcasting”.broadcasting”.

In December 2007, the Assembly approved the draft laws “On ratification of Final In December 2007, the Assembly approved the draft laws “On ratification of Final Acts of Regional Radio communication Conference for planning of the digital Acts of Regional Radio communication Conference for planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service in parts of regions 1 and 3, in the frequency bands terrestrial broadcasting service in parts of regions 1 and 3, in the frequency bands 174-230MHz and 470-862 MHz (RRC-06)”, and “On ratification of Final Acts of 174-230MHz and 470-862 MHz (RRC-06)”, and “On ratification of Final Acts of Regional Radio communication Conference for the revision of the Stockholm 1961 Regional Radio communication Conference for the revision of the Stockholm 1961 Agreement“. Ratification of these acts paves the way for the implementation of Agreement“. Ratification of these acts paves the way for the implementation of digital broadcasting in Albania. digital broadcasting in Albania.

NCRT has approved a “Regulation on the licensing of digital broadcasting”, in April NCRT has approved a “Regulation on the licensing of digital broadcasting”, in April 2008. However, in order to start procedures for the licensing of the first terrestrial 2008. However, in order to start procedures for the licensing of the first terrestrial digital operators, in addition to this Regulation is also necessary the conclusion of digital operators, in addition to this Regulation is also necessary the conclusion of the Strategy for the transition to digital broadcastings, which, in meantime, is in the the Strategy for the transition to digital broadcastings, which, in meantime, is in the drafting process. drafting process.

Digital networks characteristics

RPC and reception type

RPC 1Fixed antenna

RPC 2Portable outdoor and

mobile

RPC 3Portable indoor

Type of network Open Open Open

Geometry of service area Hexagon Hexagon Hexagon

Number of transmitters 3 3 3

Geometry of transmitter lattice Triangle Triangle Triangle

Distance between transmitters d (km)

40 25 25

Service area diameter D (km) 53 33 33

Tx effective antenna height (m) 150 150 150

Tx antenna pattern Non-directional Non-directional Non-directional

e.r.p.* (dBW)Band III 24.1 26.6 34.1

Bands IV/V 31.8 39.0 46.3

Digital networks characteristics

Rezultatet e konferences

Main Characteristics for DVB-T

1.Network Type: SFN

2. System Variant: C2

- Modulation Type 64 QAM - Guard Interval: ¼

3. Reference Network: RN2 Service Area Diameter: 30- 40 km

4. Reception type: Mobile

5. Raster for DVB-T in Band III: 7 MHz

GE 06 D Plan for Albania

Kapacitetet Transmetues

Digital broadcastings in Band III174-230 MHz

T- DAB and DVB-T T- DAB

T-DAB Sub AllotmentIn Tirana City

8 DVB-T Allotments (VHF)

Coverage Number

Allotment 01 (Nord)

Allotment02

(South)

Tirana Sub

allotment (03)

1 11 D 11 B 11 A

2 12 B 12 C 12 A

Blloqet e frekuencave per allotmentet t-dab

vhf

GE06 D Plan For ALBANIA

DVB- T

T- DAB

Transmission Capacities


Kapacitetet transmetues

GE06 D Plan For ALBANIA

Digital broadcastings in Band IV and V470 - 862 MHzDVB-T

11 DVB-T Allotments (VHF)

Transmission Capacities


AssignmentsGE 06 D Plan for Albania

CALCULATION OF COVERAGE

National Digital Terrestrial TV

Network

NR-001K

COVERAGE

Kapacitetet Transmetues

Number of coverage

Allotmenti 01 (Veri)

Allotmenti 02 (Jug)

Sub allotmenti i Tiranes (03)

1 11 D 11 B 11 A

2 12 B 12 C 12 A

FREQUENCES


Strategy for conversion to digital Strategy for conversion to digital broadcastingbroadcasting NCRT has initiated the process of preparing a draft-strategy

aiming to ensure a sustainable transfer from analogue to digital broadcasting. In realizing this process, the NCRT is working in close cooperation with the OSCE presence in Albania.

In the framework of this cooperation, an expert from the CSA, France, has evaluated the Albanian audio-visual sector and produced a report stressing the main issues to be addressed in order to have a well-defined strategy.

The key conclusion of the report is that, the ambitious project of

transfer to digital broadcasting introduces the need for cooperative relations between the NCRT and the interested groups, operators in particular. European experience shows that the harmonic transfer to digital broadcasting requires a broad consensus between the involved parties, especially during the process of approval of a strategy of common interest.

Task Force

Strategy for conversion to digital Strategy for conversion to digital broadcastingbroadcasting For this purpose, NCRT has organized, during the period

April –June 2008, and December 2008 a number of local and national conferences , by inviting all the stakeholders, private operators, state institutions and international organizations, to share with NCRT their comments and opinions concerning with transition to digital system.

After accomplishment of the consultation process, NCRT has already finished the first draft, which is submitted to all state institutions and other stakeholders concerned with.

The draft proposes the measures to be taken to insure the transition to full digital broadcasting within 2012, as the law in force provides.

NETWORK OPERATOR CLASSIFICATION

Nr. Classification Coverage AreaNumber of coverages occupied

Number of possible networks (SFN or

MFN)

1National public Operator Albanian Territory 2

2 (Defined by the law)

2 Operatorë Kombëtare Privatë

Albanian Territory 3 3

3 Regional Operator type 1 Tiranë-Durrës - Fier 0.3 1

4 Regional Operator type 2 2 regions 0.7 4

5 Local Operator 1 Region 1 11

6Tirana city operator Tirana City and

sourroundings1 7

Spare: 1 National Coverage and some local coverages

Strategy for conversion to digitalStrategy for conversion to digital broadcastingbroadcasting

Nr. Allotment

Analog Network Licensing Area

TOTAL ANALOGNETW.L

Digital networks needed

1 Region

4 Region

sRepeat

ers National MPEG 2 MPEG 4

1 Shkodër 7 1 2 4 14 2 1

2 Kukës 0 1 4 5 1 1

3 Diber 2 4 6 1 1

4 Lezhe 3 5 4 12 2 1

5 Tiranë 11 16 3 4 34 2

6 Elbasan 2 7 2 4 15 2 1

7 Fier 5 5 1 4 15 2 1

8 Berat 4 1 1 4 10 2 1

9 Korce 5 1 4 10 2 1

10 Gjirokastër 4 2 4 10 2 1

11 Vlore 7 2 3 4 16 2 1

12 SubTiranës 0 0

DIGITAL CAPACITIES NEEDED TO SUPPORT EXISTING ANALOG NETWORKS

Strategy for conversion to digitalStrategy for conversion to digitalbroadcastingbroadcasting


INVESTMENT ASSESMENT

KOSTOT E PERAFERTA

Investment for the construction of the network


KOSTOT E PERAFERTA

Needs for decoders


Decoder subsidies evaluation

Nr. ZonaAllotmenti

Popullsia Përqindja Familje

Subvencioni shtetëror (Euro)

100% 50% 37%

1 Q.Tiranë – Q.Durres AL005D 791787 25.84 158357 6334280 3167160 2343680

2 Qarku i Fierit AL007D 382544 12.49 76509 3060360 1530160 1132320

3 Qarku i Elbasanit AL006D 368635 12.03 73727 2949080 1474560 1091160

4 Qarku i Lezhes AL004D 173599 5.67 34720 1388800 694400 513840

5 Qarku i Shkodres AL001D 256472 8.37 51294 2051760 1025880 759160

6 Qarku i Vlores AL011D 192982 6.3 38596 1543840 771920 571240

7 Qarku i Korces AL009D 265182 8.66 53036 2121440 1060720 784920

8 Qarku i Beratit AL008D 193020 6.3 38604 1544160 772080 571320

9 Qarku i Dibres AL003D 189376 6.18 37875 1515000 757520 560560

10 Qarku i Gjirokastres AL010D 133432 4.36 26686 1067440 533720 394960

11 Qarku i Kukesit AL002D 116743 3.81 23349 933960 466960 345560

Territori i Shqipërise 3063772 100 612754 24510120 12255080 9068720


Strategy for conversion to digitalStrategy for conversion to digitalbroadcastingbroadcastingDigital islands

Building the Local PlatformsDigital islands

Idea: Current analogue operators will be authorized to build 1local digital network without going through the competition

process.

Advantages:

- Immediate migration of existing analogue programs in the digital platforms.

- The costs of building and maintenance are shared.

- The spare (not used) capacity can be commonly utilized to ensure supplementary income

Disadvantages:

- Requires an agreement between the participants.

- Not all existing operators might be capable to afford their share of investments.


Alternatives

1. Middle-term soft loan guaranteed by the state for all shareholders.

2. Shareholders which can afford the costs agree to cover the costs for the shareholder which can not, provided that the later pays a reasonable yearly fee and is exempted from the common mux exploitation. 3. If the deal between the participants it’s not achieved, the competition for the selection of the operator of the local network will be organized.

4. The State build the network and the program operators use it against a yearly payment controlled by the Regulatory Authority.

5. Partial or full subsidizing (according to the approved standards) by the Development fund of.

Digital islands

Building the Local Platforms


Current analogue operators are authorized to build 1 local network (continued)

Implementation of this version requires:

- Law amendment to avoid the competition procedure of the candidatures for license of local network operator (for local platforms only).

- New License Regulation which obliges the current analogue operators to continue to broadcast their programs free to air after migration to digital platforms.

- Specialized enterprise for building and operation of the networks for audiovisual broadcast.

- Decoder Subsidizing from the state.

Digital islands

Building the Local Platforms


The creation of the Digital Development Fund

The fund will be created:

1. By a part of the payment from licensing of audiovisual operators (Network Op, program and services Op)

2. Funds from the State budget.

3. Donations

• It will have a temporary duration: until 2012• Conditions - It will serve to support the building of local digital networks, to sustain current analogue programs that will continue to broadcast free to air. - There will be no subsidies for program operators.

- After the 2012 there will be no need for subsidies to avoid the deformation of the audiovisual market, already established.


DIGITAL ALBANIA A HARD CHALLENGE Beograd 27-30 April 2009.

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Transcript of DIGITAL ALBANIA A HARD CHALLENGE Beograd 27-30 April 2009.