DigitalBroadcastingMigrationStrategy_v6a

Digital Broadcasting Migration Strategy; Consultation Document

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

DIGITAL BROADCASTING MIGRATION

STRATEGY

CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

APRIL 2009

i Digital Broadcasting Migration Strategy; Consultation Document

TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT ..................................................................................................................................... I

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... III

ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................................ VI

DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................ VIII

1.0 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 ANALOGUE BROADCASTING .................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 CURRENT LICENCING PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................. 2

1.3 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS DOCUMENT ........................................................................................... 2

1.4 RATIONALE .......................................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 POLICY OBJECTIVES, STATEMENTS AND STRATEGIES .................................................. 4

2.1 POLICY STATEMENT ............................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 POLICY OBJECTIVES................................................................................................................................ 4

2.3 STRATEGIES .......................................................................................................................................... 4

2.4 DIRECT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS ..................................................................................................... 6

3.0 DIGITAL BROADCASTING ....................................................................................................... 7

3.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR MIGRATION FROM ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL BROADCASTING ................................................. 7

3.1.1 Benefits of Digital Broadcasting............................................................................................. 8

3.1.2 Implication of Digital Broadcasting ....................................................................................... 8

3.2 STANDARDS AND DELIVERY PLATFORM FOR DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION ................................................... 9

3.2.1 Digital Terrestiral Standards ................................................................................................. 9

3.2.2 Delivery Platforms ................................................................................................................ 10

4. EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND LESSONS FOR UGANDA .................... 12

4.1 SOUTH AFRICA.................................................................................................................................... 12

4.2 MALAYSIA ......................................................................................................................................... 12

4.3 UNITED KINGDOM ............................................................................................................................... 12

5.0 ISSUES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL BROADCASTING....................................... 13

5.1 APPROACH FOR TRANSITION TO DIGITAL TELEVISION BROADCASTING ............................................................ 13

5.2 CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL BROADCASTING ............................................................................ 14

5.3 THE NEED FOR SHARED BROADCASTING INFRASTRUCTURE; SIGNAL DISTRIBUTOR ............................................. 14

5.3.1 Advantages of Signal Distributor ......................................................................................... 15

5.3.2 Challenges of Signal Distribution........................................................................................ 15

5.4 CONSUMER ASPECTS ........................................................................................................................... 16

5.4.1 Digital Receiving Apparatus ................................................................................................. 16

5.4.2 After-effects of Analogue-Digital transition to Consumers .................................................. 16

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5.5 POST ANALOGUE SWITCH OFF ISSUES ................................................................................................. 17

5.5.1 Technological Obsolescence ................................................................................................ 17

5.5.2 Post Analogue Switch-over Issues on Spectrum Licenses .................................................... 18

5.6 CONTENT IN A DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................. 18

5.6.1 Content Regulation ............................................................................................................... 18

5.6.2 Production of Content........................................................................................................... 19

5.7 ROLES OF THE DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS ................................................................................................. 19

5.7.1 Roles of Broadcaster ............................................................................................................ 19

5.7.2 Role of the Regulator ............................................................................................................ 19

5.7.3 Role of the Public ................................................................................................................. 20

5.7.4 Role of the Signal Distributor ............................................................................................... 20

5.7.5 Role of Government .............................................................................................................. 21

5.8 LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................... 21

5.9 COPYRIGHT ........................................................................................................................................ 21

6. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................ 23

ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................................ 24

Annex 1: Composition of the National Analogue to Digital Broadcasting Migration Group

(NADBMG) 24

Annex 2: Uganda Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Plan ......................................... 25

Annex 3: Status of Worldwide Analogue to Digital Migration ................................................... 35

Annex 4: Financial Implication for Migration from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting ............ 41

iii Digital Broadcasting Migration Strategy; Consultation Document

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The introduction of broadcasting services in Uganda dates as far back as 1952 when the

government first started radio broadcasting services and later in 1963 introduced

television broadcasting services. The broadcasting services were based on analogue

technology. Until the early 1990s when the broadcasting sector was liberalised,

broadcasting services were a sole monopoly of the Government. Ever since the

liberalization policy was put in place, there has been tremendous growth of private radio

and television broadcasting stations in the country.

During the Regional Radio communications Conferences (RRC) of 2004 (RRC-04) and

2006 (RRC-06), ITU developed digital terrestrial broadcasting Plan. The Geneva 2006

(GE06) Agreement that resulted from RRC-06 set the switch-over date for analogue to

digital broadcasting for June 2015 when all countries party to the agreement will totally

migrate from analogue technology to digital technoloy.

This document underpins some of the important and crucial areas that need to be taken

into account when introducing digital terrestrial broadcasting during the transition period

and after switch-over, recorgnising the diffulties that may come by as a result of

introducing new technology.

The successful introduction of digital broadcasting is a complex process and will require

the participation of a number of stakeholders. The purpose of this document is to provide

a clear guide on how the migration process will be addressed and what this entails. In this

way stakeholders will be able to make informed decisions based on the parameters within

which they will be able to operate.

The implications of digital broadcasting to the consumers and service providers during

the transition as well as post-switch-over periods include cost to customers to acquire set-

top boxes and the need for substantial investments for infrastructure and programme

production in the broadcasting.

The challenges associated with implementation of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)

include the need to free frequency channels for digital systems, coordination with

neighboring countries to mitigate cases of possible signal interference as a result of

parallel implementation of analogue-digital systems in border areas, upgrading of

analogue TV receivers, public awareness and consumers education and the need for

government to make appropriate legislation in respect to implementation of DTT. The

document further justifies the need for digital signal distribution and proposes the

licensing of at least one additional signal distributor in addition to Uganda Broadcasting

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Corporation (UBC), the public broadcaster, who shall be issued a signal distributor

license if it meets the regulatory conditions to be specified by the regulator.

The roles of the stakeholders such as investments in the infrastructure and capacity

building, developing customer awareness and coordination of public relations and

marketing are also outlined.

The digital migration strategy is tailored in support of the following values:

1. Availability of Choice:- Consumers are best served when they have choice, high

quality programmes, access to different service providers and different transmission

platforms and a wide selection of digital equipment having various levels of

functionality.

2. Interoperability of Systems:- Equipment used should be able to receive content

from any service provider in order to ensure that consumers have the ability to switch

between service providers operating on the same platform.

3. Ensuring the Presence of a Competitive Market:-Competition benefits the

consumer through the provision of more affordable prices, better quality, more

services and innovative products.

4. Efficient Use of Spectrum:- Spectrum is a finite scarce resource and should,

therefore, be used to its maximum potential so as to benefit from the “digital

dividend”.

It suffices to mention that the document further details implementation strategies for all

the stakeholders with the following specific strategic intervention by government:

1. Government will establish a working group that will have the responsibility of

responding to public concerns even beyond the switchover as all concerns may not be

anticipated in time. The government will create a platform for hearing the consumer

opinions which may be channelled through consumer organizations/interest groups. It

is prudent for Government to monitor and evaluate the awareness, up take and use of

the new services, and adjust the awareness campaign accordingly.

2. In the interim, prior to the merger of Broadcasting Council and Uganda

Communications Commission, Government, with advice from the regulator, will

establish a joint technical Committee comprising of members from the two regulatory

bodies, to work out, among others, conditions of the licenses for signal distribution

providers;

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3. The Government will establish a body entrusted with the responsibility of promoting

diverse content development by providing financial and other support to the local

content development industry.

4. The Government will provide the financial resources for the consumer campaign and

education;

5. Government will, encourage the use of the National Data Transmission backbone

Infrastructure for broadcasting during the transition period and beyond;

6. The Government will subsidise the cost of set-top boxes that are required for the

public to be able to adapt the existing analogue TV sets to the digital broadcasts.

The need for migration to Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting is clearly vital. The overriding

theme in best practices is – obtaining value. Migration to digital broadcasting is viewed

with significant potentials as enabler of modernization and reform, and is useful in

pursuit of the country Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) among others. However,

factors that will foster its success in Uganda will include the type of legislation,

regulation, political will, consumer awareness, readiness as well as regional

harmonization. Concisely, stakeholder involvement and consent at all levels is key.

Availability of funding from Government will enable timely implementation of digital

terrestrial broadcasting. Corrective measures for funding from other sources as well as

effective methods for monitoring and evaluation are necessary. If the mentioned

mechanisms are rightly put in place, Uganda will realize the socio-economic benefits of

Digital terrestrial broadcasting, which notably is in line with the Poverty Eradication

Action plan in the quest for prosperity for all.

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ACRONYMS

3G Third Generation of Mobile Telephony

AM Amplitude Modulation

BC Broadcasting Council

BSS Broadcasting Satellite Service

CTV Cable Television

DCP Digital Channel Plan

DBMG Digital Broadcasting Migration Group

DTH Direct to Home

DTT Digital Terrestrial Television

DTV Digital Television

DVB-T Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial

FM Frequency Modulation

GE-06 Geneva Agreement of 2006



ICT Information Communication Technology

IPTV Internet Protocol Television

ISDB Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting

ITU International Telecommunication Union

MDTV Mobile Digital Television

MICT Ministry of Information and Communications Technology

NEMA National Environment Management Authority

NTSC National Television Systems Committee

QoS Quality of Service

RRC-06 Regional Radiocommunication Conference of 2006

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RTSP Real Time Streaming Protocol

STB Set Top Boxes

T-DAB Terrestrial- Digital Audio Broadcasting

TV Television

UCC Uganda Communications Commission

UHF Ultra High Frequency

VHF Very High Frequency

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DEFINITIONS

Analogue system A system that represents changing values as continuously

variable physical quantities.

Broadcasting process of transmitting a radio or television program for

public or general use

Content programmes and data

Digital Broadcasting is the sending and receiving of moving images and sound by

digital (discrete) signals in contrast to analogue signal

Digital system Uses discrete (discontinuous) values, usually but not always

symbolised numerically (hence called "digital") to represent

information for input, processing, transmission, storage, etc.

Digital Switch Over It is the change over from analogue broadcasting to digital

terrestrial broadcasting;

Modulation It is the addition of information (or the signal) to an electronic

or optical signal carrier.

Multiplexing is a process where multiple analogue signals or digital data

streams are combined into one signal.

Radio Frequency (RF) A frequency of electromagnetic radiation in the range at

which radio signals are transmitted, ranging from

approximately 3 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz

Radio Frequency

Interference (RFI)

is an unwanted disturbance that affects an electrical circuit

due to either electromagnetic conduction or electromagnetic

radiation emitted from an external source

Radio Frequency

Spectrum

The entire range of electromagnetic communications

frequencies, including those used for radio, radar, and

television; the radio-frequency spectrum

Set-top Box (STB) This unit that converts digital signal to analogue signal

Signal Distribution means the process whereby the output signal of a

broadcasting service is taken from the point of origin, being

where such a signal is made available in its final context

format, from where it is conveyed to any geographical

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broadcast target area by means of telecommunications media

but excluding the use of facilities which operate on

frequencies outside the broadcasting services frequency bands

Simulcast period is the period during which there will parallel

provision/transmission of television programme in both

analogue and digital mode

Terrestrial

Broadcasting a broadcast signal transmitted "over-the-air" to an antenna

Transition period The period during which switch over from analogue to digital

broadcasting will take place


1.0 BACKGROUND

Uganda is party to Geneva agreement of 2006 (GE 06) which resulted from the Regional Radio

Communication Conference of 2006 (RRC 06) that developed the digital broadcasting plan. As a

result of RRC 06, Uganda developed a national digital terrestrial broadcasting plan (Annex 2).

The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MoICT), constituted a Digital

Broadcasting Migration Group (DBMG), composition of which is in Annex1. The constitution of

the group was in accordance with the implementation of the international decision to move from

analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting. The Ministry mandated this group to initiate the

migration process from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Uganda with overall task of

coming up with a draft migration strategy to the Ministry.

1.1 Analogue Broadcasting

Analogue Broadcasting in Uganda started in early 1950 with establishment of Radio Uganda in

1952 and subsequent establishment of Uganda Television in 1963. Both stations were state owned

and run by the Government. Since then, the broadcasting Sector has passed through a series of

changes.

From mid 1990’s to date, the government has fully liberalised the airwaves by issuing

broadcasting licences/permits with associated frequency licences to many private companies. The

permits and frequencies issued to prospective broadcasters specify the type of broadcasting service

(TV and/or sound) and the permitted coverage areas (region, province or nationwide). These

private broadcasters have therefore set up their own infrastructure and sites alongside the state

owned infrastructure to host their transmission systems. It is common to find several towers or

masts within the same designated site housing different broadcasters. A prominent example is

Naguru Hill, a Kampala Suburb.

The liberalisation has resulted in a very vibrant broadcasting industry in Uganda, especially FM

sound and TV broadcasting, with the demand for broadcasting frequencies outstripping the supply

especially in urban areas.

As of October 2008, 45 television stations and 207 FM radio stations had been licensed with 179

FM radio stations and 27 TV stations already on air and operational.

The TV broadcasting services are offered in VHF and UHF frequency bands (174-230 MHz and

470-862 MHz) respectively for alalogue broadcasting in accordance to Geneva 1989 (GE-89)

Agreement. This agreement provide for international protection to broadcasters against any

interference from other users of the radio spectrum in contracting member countries of these

treaties.

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Although satellite broadcasting systems exist in Uganda, the terrestrial broadcasting networks

continue to be the primary delivery systems for television and radio broadcasting services.

1.2 Current Licencing Procedure

The enactament of Electronic Media Act Cap. 104, Laws of Uganda, in 1996 and the

Communications Act Cap. 106, Laws of Uganda, in 1997 established two regulatory entities for

the broadcasting sector, namely; Broadcasting Council, and Uganda Communications Commision

respectively.

This therefore means that the current broadcasting licensing mechanism is a two stage process

involving the Broadcasting Council and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

The Broadcasting Council issues broadcasting permits (licences) whereas UCC is responsible for

radio spectrum management including setting technical standards for radio and television stations.

With the establishment of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology in 2006,

the Uganda Communications Commission and Broadcasting Council now fall under the same

Ministry (of Information and Communications Technology) that is responsible for overall policy

oversight of the ICT sector.

1.3 Purpose and objectives of this Document

This document provides a framework that will ensure a smooth transition from analogue to digital

broadcasting. The framework focuses on transition to digital terrestrial television broadcasting

and gives little congnizance to radio givent that the latter is less critical during this transition

process. The transition process will involve transfereing services that operate on analogue

networks to digitally based networks over a specified period of time. In Ugnada, December 2012

has been proposed as the target switch-off date for analogue broadcasting systems. It is envisaged

that the set date will give time to address any issues which may arise before the internationally

agreed switch off date of June 2015. At the end of the transition period, the follwong broad

objectives would have been achedved:

a) To create and separate the market segment into infrastructre servces prvision and Content

services provision;

b) To ensure access to quality broadcasting services;

c) To ensure efficient use of spectrum;

d) To ensure environmental protection during the transition and beyond;

e) To develop human resource skills necessary for the digital transition and thereafter.


1.4 Rationale

In accordance with the international obligation of swicth over from analogue to digital

broadcasting by June 2015, it was imperative to have in place the necessary framework that would

ensure a smooth transition to Digital Broadcasting in Uganda. It is therefore vital to have all

services delivered through these analogue networks fully replicated onto the proposed digital

networks before the analogue networks are discontinued.


2.0 POLICY STATEMENT, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

This document sets out specific policy strategies for Uganda’s electronic media industry to meet

the challenges of convergence consistent with the legislative and institutional provisions adopted

by the Government. It seeks to find a balance between the need to foster commercial development

of the broadcasting industry and to make sure broadcasting serves the national public interest. The

document is designed to facilitate the process of conversion from analogue to digital broadcasting

based on the policy statement prescribed herein below.

2.1 Policy Statement

Government of the Republic of Uganda commits itself to champion the process of Migration from

Analogue to Digital broadcasting in Uganda in line with the internationally agreed switch off date

of 2015.

2.2 Policy Objectives

This digital migration strategy is tailored in support of the following Policy Objectives:

a) To create and separate the market segment into Infrastructre services prvision and Content

services provision;

b) To ensure access to quality broadcasting services;

c) To ensure efficient use of spectrum;

d) To ensure environmental protection thrugh reduction of multiple antennae sites;

2.3 Strategies

a) Adapt DVB-T standard in the implemetation of digital terrestrial broadcasting in uganda;

b) Adopt a policy based on a phased switch-over approach for transition from analogue to digital

broadcasting services within a specified period;

c) License signal distributor(s) thus providing for creation of two separate market segments of

signal distribution services providers and content service providers;

d) The regulator will license at least one signal distributor in addition to Uganda Broadcasting

Corporation (UBC) who will be issued a signal distributor license if it meets the regulatory

conditions. Self provisioning may be granted in areas where signal distributor(s) are not able

to provide such infrastructure within the maximum response time as shall be specified by the

regulator;

e) The multiplexing and signal distribution will be done by the signal distributors;


f) Take practical measures to protect analogue broadcasting networks which are not able to

migrate to digital broadcasting system/network from being affected by digital transmissions

until the internationally agreed switch off date of June 2015 when protection ceases;

g) Prioritise consumer awareness (education) and skills development to assist in access and

utilisation of digital broadcasting systems as well as guarding against consumer exploitation

through unfair market practices;

h) Develop human resource skills necessary for the digital transition and thereafter.

i) Ensure availability of affordable digital receivers and set-top boxes through fiscal policy

measures during the transition period;

j) Put in place appropriate policies on the production, access, use and distribution of content in

the diverse digital services environment in a bid to address copyright issues;

k) Encourage the use of the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure for broadcasting

during the transition period and beyond;

a) Establish a working group that will have the responsibility of responding to public concerns

even beyond the switchover as all concerns may not be anticipated in time. A platform for

hearing the consumer opinions which may be channelled through consumer

organizations/interest groups will be created. It is prudent for Government to monitor and

evaluate the awareness, up take and use of the new services, and adjust the awareness

campaign accordingly;

b) Broadcasters are required to migrate from analogue to digital technology in the studio

facilities;

c) In order to reduce cost of migration, the signal distributors will, to the largest possible extent,

use the existing analogue infrastructure for digital transmission;

d) Existing infrastructure owners will enter into agreements with signal distributors and future

infrastructure investors regarding integration of their facilities into distribution network;

e) The signal distributor(s) are required to expedite the take up rate of digital terrestrial television

so that the frequency spectrum currently used for analogue broadcast could be released not

beyond the set switch-over date;

f) Uganda Bureau of Standards and the Regulators will define minimum standards/specifications

for the set-top boxes to be used in Uganda;

g) Establish a body entrusted with the responsibility of promoting diverse content development

by providing financial and other support to the local content development industry;


l) Ensure availability of financial resources for the consumer campaign and education;

m) Ensure availability of set-top boxes that are required for the public to be able to adapt the

existing analogue TV sets to the digital broadcasting;

n) Take practical measures to ensure environmental protection in collaboration with National

Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

2.4 Direct Government Interventions

Specifically, the following strategic interventions are required by government:

a) Government will establish a working group that will have the responsibility of responding to

public concerns even beyond the switchover as all concerns may not be anticipated in time.

The government will create a platform for hearing the consumer opinions which may be

channelled through consumer organizations/interest groups. It is prudent for Government to

monitor and evaluate the awareness, up take and use of the new services, and adjust the

awareness campaign accordingly;

b) In the interim, prior to the merger of Broadcasting Council and Uganda Communications

Commission, Government, with advice from the regulator, will establish a joint technical

Committee comprising of members from the two regulatory bodies, to work out, among

others, conditions of the licenses for signal distribution providers;

c) The Government will establish a body entrusted with the responsibility of promoting diverse

content development by providing financial and other support to the local content development

industry;

d) The Government will provide the financial resources for the consumer campaign and

education;

e) Government will, encourage the use of the National Data Transmission backbone

Infrastructure for broadcasting during the transition period and beyond;

f) The Government will subsidise the cost of set-top boxes that are required for the public to be

able to adapt the existing analogue TV sets to the digital broadcasts.


3.0 DIGITAL BROADCASTING

Digital Broadcasting, the sending and receiving of moving images and sound by digital (discrete)

signals in contrast to analogue, is applicable to both Television and radio broadcasting services.

However, the strategy and implemetation plans being propposed in this document focuses on

terrestrail television broadcasting since radio is is not affected by the transition. By digital

television, we mean the use of modulation and compression to transmit video, audio and data

signals to the receiver sets (consumer access devices) and by digital radio (digital sound

broadcasting), we mean the use of modulation and compression to transmit audio programmes

(music, news, sports etc) only.

Digital broadcasting offers many advantages like increased programme diversity, improved

spectrum utilization efficiency, and lowered operating costs through use of compression

technology and system reliability, potential for quality video, audio and numerous other value

added services. The analogue broadcasting systems require significant radio frequency spectrum

which is a finite resource. Digital broadcasting systems, besides other attributes, are meant to

address the issue of optimum use of radio spectrum as a scarce resource

3.1 Justification for Migration from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting

Migration is a process during which services that operate on analogue network are transferred

across to digitally based network over a specific period of time. The main purpose of the migration

process is to ensure that all services operating on the analogue network will be fully replicated on

the digital network with the aim to switch off the analogue services at a specific point in time.

The Regional Radiocommunication Conference (RRC-06) that was held in 2006 in Geneva,

Switzerland developed digital terrestrial broadcasting Plan in the frequency bands III (174-230

MHz) and IV/V (470-862 MHz) in parts of Regions 1 and 3 which include Europe, the Middle

East, the former Soviet Union Republics, Iran and Africa. Uganda took part in the digital

broadcasting planning process and established the national digital terrestrial broadcasting plan in

these frequency bands in which currently exist analogue television broadcasting systems. The

Uganda digital Terretrial television Broadcasting Plan is contained in Annex 2.

The RRC-06 established the GE-06 Agreement by which countries party to this agreement are

required to replace the existing analogue under the GE-89 Plan for the same frequency bands on

17 June 2015 when digital broadcasting should be fully implemented. This is why there is a need

for the Government of Uganda to have migration strategy and implementation plans for digital

broadcasting to facilitate the switch-over by migrating from analogue to digital broadcasting

technology.


3.1.1 Benefits of Digital Broadcasting

i. More choice of channels: When compared to analogue technology, digital transmission

technology supports the simultaneous transmission of a larger number of programmes, which

automatically implies that the amount of the programmes available on any platform increases

considerably. Consumers are best served when they have choice.

ii. Spectrum Efficiency. Radio spectrum is a scarce resource which needs to be efficiently

managed in in the public interest.A single channel can carry a number of programs which

allows room for spare frequencies to be used for other services. The freed frequencies are

attributed to “digital dividend”, which can be realised when there is analogue switch-over

iii. High quality sound and pictures: digital television offers better picture and sound quality.

iv. Digital television allows for new enhances services and offers a richer viewing experience.

An example of a new service is the electronic programme guide (EPG).

v. Digital broadcasting is cheaper as costs to broadcasters are slashed as digital broadcasting

enables the creation of separate market segments for signal distribution providers and

content service providers. A separate market segment for signal distribution provision is

important for offsetting costs and also giving enough time for the broadcaster to concentrate

on content service provision. In this regard, an investor does not have to be assigned a

frequency and/or develop infrastructure before becoming a broadcaster. The broadcaster will

concentrate only on content as the broadcasting infrastructure will be provided by the signal

distributor(s). (need for explaination)

3.1.2 Implication of Digital Broadcasting

i. To Consumers

In order to receive digital television transmission/signals, the consumer will need either to:

a. Replace the analogue TV set, with a set equipped with a digital tuner or

b. Adapt the current TV set by means of an external set top box.

ii. Broadcasting Service Providers

a. Digital transmission will provide opportunity to offer new programmes and services,

which can result in new business opportunities for the service providers.

b. There will be need for substantial investment in both equipment and human resource

training before the full potential of digital television can be realized.


c. When the digital television is realized there will be increased revenue through reduction of

transmission costs and providing better technology for storage and processing of content.

3.2 Standards and Delivery platform for digital Terrestrial Television

Digital Terrestrial television (DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology in order

to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and sound using aerial

broadcast to a conventional antenna instead of a satellite dish or cable connection. The DTT is

transmitted over radio frequencies through the airwaves that are similar to standard analogue

television, with the primary difference being the use of multiplex transmitters to allow reception of

multichannel on a single frequency range such as VHF or UHF. Multiplexing is a process where

multiple analogue signals or digital data streams are combined into one signal. The amount of data

that can be transmitted and therefore the number of channels is directly affected by the modulation

method (depending on the standard used) of the channel.

Digital terrestrial television uses different standards and is delivered through defferent platforms

in different countries.

3.2.1 Digital Terrestiral Standards

The digital plan accommodates digital terrestrial television broadcasting. There are different

standards that have been adopted for implementation of digital terrestrial television broadcasting

in some parts of the World. The main technologies used in digital terrestrial television include

DVB-T1 NTSC

2, ISDB-T

3. The RRC-06 which resulted in a new agreement GE06 which was

signed by countries in Europe, Africa and Middle East adopted the DVB-T standard for Digital

Television broadcasting. The standard is also now being adopted extensively outside these areas.

Sincere Uganda was a party to the GE06, the DVB-T standard will be used in the provision of

digital terrestrial television broadcasting Uganda.

The Digital Video Broadcasting–Terrestrial (DVB-T) standard specifies the framing structure,

channel coding and modulation for digital terrestrial television (DTT). The system is capable of

coping with clear channel as well as with interleaved planning, i.e. in the adjacent channels to an

analogue transmission, and even co-channels operation for the same programme. It also permits

service flexibility, with the possibility of reception by rooftop antennas and also, if desired, of

portable reception.

The system was also designed to be robust against interference from delayed signals. This

capability contributes to improvement of spectrum utilization efficiency when planning digital

television services in crowded spectrum conditions such in densely populated urban areas. The

1 Digital Video Broadcasting Television (DVB-T) standard fused in Europe 2 National Television systems Committee (NTSC) standard used in North America and most countries in South America, 3 Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting Television (ISDB-T)standard used in Japan


DVB-T is a flexible system that allows networks to be designed for the delivery of a wide range of

services.

3.2.2 Delivery Platforms

These are generic delivery mechanisms that are available for the transmission of digital

broadcasting signals to the public. Digital teresstrial broadcast signals can be delivered to the

customers using these delivery mechanisms that include satellite, cable, internet and cellular

mobile communication.

3.2.2.1 Digital Cable Television

While traditional television broadcasting uses over-the-air method (via radio waves) which

requires a television antenna, Cable Television (CTV) is a system where television programmes

are provided to the consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through fixed

coaxial cables or optical fibres. Coaxial cables are capable of bi-directional carriage of signals as

well as the transmission of large amounts of data. Cable television signals use only a portion of the

bandwidth available over coaxial lines. Technically, CTV involves distributing a number of

television channels collected at a central location (called a headend) to subscribers/consumers

within a community by means of a branched network of optical fibers and/or coaxial cables and

broadband amplifiers.

Digital TV broadcasts via cable are only possible if the house is in an area that can be connected to

a cable network which is broadcasting in a digital format. The cable operator would usually

provide the set-top box and would also make a simple connection to the cable network. Although,

CTV is prevalent in Europe, North America, Australia and East Asia, it is also present in other

countries in the Middle East and South America. Cable TV is not common in Uganda and in

Africa partly because it is not cost-effective to lay cables in sparsely populated areas. However

several companies are already providing cable television services although the service is still

limited to the Kampala urban area.

3.2.2.2 Internet Protocol Television

Internet protocol television describes a system where a digital television service is delivered to

subscribing consumers using internet protocol over a broadband connection. ITU defines Internet

Protocol Television (IPTV) as multimedia services (television, video, audio, text, graphics, and

data) delivered over IP based networks; managed to provide the required level of quality of service

(QoS), security, interactivity and reliability. IPTV will therefore take on new services such as

triple play, video-on-demand, and other IPTV based converged services.

The free IPTV channels only require the user to have an internet connection and an internet

enabled device such as a personal computer or a 3G mobile phone.


IPTV uses the standard networking protocols and will therefore be able to provide lower costs for

the operators, which will in turn lead to lower costs for the users. This will result in a higher

penetration rate in cases where broadband internet is available. If a set-top-box is used with a

broadband internet connection, IPTV can deliver video more efficiently than cable transmission.

IPTV can deliver live TV through multicasting and stored video using video-on-Demand. In the

case of live TV, the content is delivered by IP multicast where it can be sent to multiple computers

at the same time.

3.2.2.3 Mobile Digital Television

Mobile Digital Television (MDTV) combines TV and mobile phones, which are two of the best

selling products in history. It provides both entertainment and communications on one device. The

speeds presented on the mobile phone are comparable to those available to the consumer if they

were watching TV on a traditional TV set. This new service will lead to the convergence of

broadcasters, content rights holders and mobile phone operators. MDTV services exist in South

Korea. Trials have taken place in Europe and North America and commercial launches are

expected any time now.

3.2.2.4 Satellite Digital Broadcasting

Satellite digital television is the implementation of digital technology where a number of channels

are combined on the available bandwidth via satellite to be received by consumers via satellite

dishes (antenna which are made in varying sizes and designs commonly receive satellite

television). Satellite digital television is a system in which the subscribers, or end users, receive

signals directly from geostationary satellites where signals are broadcast in digital format. Because

of greater bandwidths that are associated with satellite systems, the consumers are able to receive

more channels as compared to DTT. The direct to home (DTH) and broadcasting satellite service

(BSS) are technology standards that are used in the provision of satellite digital television.


4. EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND LESSONS FOR UGANDA

4.1 South Africa

In South Africa, Analog switch off is set to take place on November 1 2011.However currently,

South Africa experiences dual illumination. South Africa started DTT trials 1 November, 2008

and the trial is scheduled up to Mid. 2009 when general service transmission will begin. Sentech, a

multiplexer in South Africa, is planning to distribute 3000 set top boxes (STB) to viewers

participating in the trial. One of the key points for the new digital TV legislation will be the

decision to include or not to include a Set Top Box subsidy and whether there will be any import

restriction on STB’s. Bodies such as the SADIBA and the Digital Zonga have been set up to

spearhead the migration process. The migration to DTT is not a smooth process for example,

Sentech announced that it is increasingly unlikely that it will meet its DTT coverage targets of

52% of the population by March 2009 and 80% of the population by 2010. Currently it is expected

that by the end of 2009, services will only reach 40% of the population. Sentech had requested

R262.4 million (€20 million) from the government but only R150 million (€11 million) was

approved. It is also likely that the shortfall in funding may result in the delay of analogue switch

off which is planned for 2011.

4.2 Malaysia

In Malaysia, the analogue switch off was set for 2015. However the national digital rollout will

take place in 2012.The government started trials with the national broadcaster, Radio Television

Malaysia (RTM), in the September 2006 in the Kuala Lumpur Area with digital transmissions to

1000 homes. The Malaysian government has also take the initiatives to fund the migration process

and devise ways of reducing the cost of the setup boxes before it fully goes digital in 2015. The

DTT trial run by RTM, was a success. The trial which took six months from September 2006 to

February 2007, being broadcast for five hours a day in the Klang Valley. DTV programmes were

tested on RTM1, RTM2 and RTMi.67 percent of the 892 viewers involved in the trial found the

audio-visual quality of the DTV programmes to be of a high standard.

4.3 United Kingdom

The UK adopted a phased approach to switch over starting with a few major cities. However

currently, UK has experienced full scale Digital switch over. All the analogue transmitters have

been switched off and the main Selkirk Digital transmitter is now on high power together with its

eleven relay sites. An independent group Digital UK was set up to handle issues related to the

migration.


5.0 ISSUES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL BROADCASTING

The progress of digital migration poses a number of fundamental policy challenges for Uganda.

The Government has to introduce digital broadcasting but at the same time there is need to

maintain the transmission of analogue television to the viewers during the transition period. This

requires massive public awareness campaigns that will entails availing information on what digital

television can offer in contrast to existing analogue services. The public will also require

information on how the conversion process will impact on their access to television services.

Some consumers may be adversely affected before full benefits of digital television are realised.

5.1 Approach for Transition to Digital television Broadcasting

Two possible approaches to the transition, Market driven- technological transition where a

progressive replacement of analogue technology with the digital technology takes place, Policy

Driven- technological transition primarily focused on free to air terrestrial broadcasting services.

However due to the advantages of an early switch off, Uganda will adopt the Policy driven-

technology transition with a firm switch off date.

The transition timeframe will need to be made in a way that mitigates the effects of the costs

involved, develops attractive services to be demand-driven, and overcomes resistance from

citizens and industry players who may see risks in changing the status quo.

The migration to digital broadcasting can be divided into four distinct phases:

a) Preparatory Phase (begins in July 2009):- The period that immediately follows the approval

of the policy on analogue-digital broadcasting migration. Licensed broadcasters may be

allowed to carry out digital broadcasting services on pilot basis under terms and conditions to

be specified by Uganda Communications Commissions and Broadcasting Council. (Policy is

expected to be approved by Government by June 2009)

b) Digital Switch On: (July 2011):- Official launch of the digital broadcasting services in

Uganda. It is expected that the digital broadcasting infrastructure including set-top boxes

and/or integrated receivers will be available in the country;

c) Simulcast Period (July 2011 ~December 2012): - This is a one and a half year transition

period before total digital broadcasting system is established. The period will ensure viewers

without set-top boxes (“digital TV adaptors”) are not deprived of services. During this period,

analogue and digital television will have to be broadcast in tandem;


d) Analogue switch-off (December 2012):- termination of analogue broadcasting transmission.

This assumes the completion of the switch over process from analogue to Digital broadcasting.

Analogue switch-off will not occur before almost all households can receive digital signals and

have digital receivers. (Tentatively scheduled at December 2012).

Consumer and public awareness is cross cutting issue which will be undertaken in all the three

phases.

5.2 Challenges in implementing Digital Broadcasting

Implementation of the new digital broadcasting plan will be constrained during the transition

period due to the following reasons:

1) Most of the proposed digital channels can only be used after existing analogue channels have

been converted to digital or switched off since most of the channels in the analogue channels

will be converted to digital. In addition most of the channels in the digital plan will be

incompatible with the existing analogue assignments.

2) The GE06 Agreement requires that agreement of neighboring countries be obtained before a

number of Uganda’s digital channels can be utilized because they will affect these countries’

existing analogue stations.

3) There will be need to replace or upgrade the analogue receivers for the reception of digital

broadcasting. This can be done with the set-top box connection to an analogue TV set or

integrated digital receivers. This means an extra cost to the consumers who may not be ready

for the digital services. There may be need for Government intervention especially for

consumers in rural communities.

4) In some instances, there may be loss of analogue services due to channel changes or

interference to fortuitous reception and provision of new services/programmes, such as

datacasting and enhanced programmes.

5) Public awareness and consumers’ education in respect of introduction of new technology and

services in the provision of broadcasting services.

6) The Government has to make announcements with respect to its intentions introduction of

digital broadcasting services as transition from analogue broadcasting services. The

Government has to make Legislation to implement these intentions.

5.3 The need for shared Broadcasting Infrastructure; Signal Distributor

Successful digitisation of broadcasting systems in Uganda will depend on simultaneous

development of inter-dependent sub-industries such as production of programmes, scheduling,

transmission, and manufacturing of customer premise equipment, computer applications, and


multimedia and intelligent networks management software. Transition from analogue to digital

broadcasting thus require substantial investments by all the stakeholders, namely; Broadcasters,

Content providers, Households and Government (Consumer Awareness). The success of digital

migration is fully dependant on the consumers having access to the broadcasting medium.

Adaption of DVB standards for terrestrial broadcasting in Uganda will make use of multiplexes

consisting of multiple television programmes on a single broadcast infrastructure only. There will

therefore be no need for individual TV transmitters for each TV station. A separate entity would

be required to implement and maintain this broadcast infrastructure for all television stations.

In light of the above, it is proposed that signal distributor(s) be licensed to enable sharing of the

resources in order to benefit from the advantages of volume of scale. Providing for licensing signal

distributor(s) will ensure that the use of broadcasting infrastructure is maximised and will enable

the development of modern broadcasting facilities to minimise the adverse impact on

environment. However the mode and the number of signal distributor(s) to be licensed should be

determined taking into account the required infrastructure from time to time.

5.3.1 Advantages of Signal Distributor

In digital broadcasting environment, a signal distributor (s) would be beneficial due to the

following advantages:

• Lower transmission costs per broadcaster;

• Allow better efficiency in spectrum management;

• Lower initial costs for new broadcasters;

• Reduce the adverse impact on environment ;

• Provide uniform coverage of the broadcast signal;

• Less signal interference;

• Ease of management of broadcast frequencies/channels;

• Allow broadcasters to focus on quality of content as their core business

5.3.2 Challenges of Signal Distribution

There are several potential challenges for the signal distributor, such as:

i. The functions of a signal distributor were previously carried out by the broadcasters and a

number of challenges come into focus since the existing broadcasters have already made

significant investments in infrastructure. There has to be a mechanism to ensure that this

investment is not wasted.


ii. Where the existing infrastructure may not be adequate, there will be need for upgrading it

to accommodate digital transmission during simulcast period and after.

iii. The high setup costs will limit or affect the number of signal distributors. Furthermore,

signal distribution services may not penetrate to areas that are not commercially viable.

Availability of digital receiving apparatus at affordable prices is crucial to early uptake of digital

broadcasting technology by the mass market. Pricing of such receiving equipment could be the

biggest single obstacle or enabler to introduction of digital broadcasting.

5.4 Consumer Aspects

A key strategy would be to ensure that consumers understand that switch-over is definite and have

information on how they can make informed purchases and be given adequate notice. This will

enable those intending to invest in new equipment to make choices informed by the Government’s

switchover commitment.

5.4.1 Digital Receiving Apparatus

Availability of digital receiving apparatus at affordable prices is crucial to early uptake of digital

broadcasting technology by the mass markets. Digital broadcasting systems can be operated in

three basic modes: Free –to- Air (FTA), Free Access (FA) and Fully Encrypted (FE). The cost

for set-top boxes poses the most critical barrier to entry in terms of getting the viewers to accept a

digital switchover, it will be necessary to define minimum set-top box specifications for the entry

level set-top box to ensure technical compatibility.

5.4.2 After-effects of Analogue-Digital transition to Consumers

In the initial phase of simulcast, the full potential cannot be realised but it allows consumers to

migrate gradually.

a) Adequate time for a change:

i) Consumers do not wish to abandon their analogue receivers immediately. The

simulcast period should be adequate enough to minimise any consumer

inconvenience but at the same time should not take un necessary long. This will

enable consumers to enjoy the benefits of digital terrestrial television as well as

allow for recovery of some radio spectrum as digital dividend by which other new

services can be used.

ii) The actual analogue switch–over can cause inconvenience to consumers. For

example,

• All consumers will be required to upgrade their receiver equipment to prevent

the loss of service;


• Although a better coverage can be achieved with digital service, there could be

particular locations which have reduced or no digital coverage;

b) Contribution of digital migration to national socio-economic base

Economically, the industry could benefit by the local production of set-top-boxes and local

content, and consequently job creation and skills will be enhanced. Job creation as well as cost-

effective transmission will bring additional broadcaster investment in the rollout of additional

channels in the digital environment. Increased transmission capacity would allow provision of new

services such as e-government, e-education, information services, local and regional content, as

well as more language options.

Full acceptance by the consumer market by offering extended services in addition to current

television services, the digital migration would afford new entrants to the broadcasting

environment and stimulate the local information/content production industry.

c) Vulnerable Groups

The migration strategy must take cognizant of the consumers, so as to encourage the uptake by

users with disparate needs. This requires the collaboration of all stakeholders to improve usability

and accessibility to digital broadcasting.

The demands of the vulnerable groups must be evaluated and addressed. There are many demands

imposed on people with disabilities both with equipment and content. The impairments ranging

from visual, hearing and dexterity, efforts must be directed to:

• Creating awareness and understanding nationally;

• Identifying products suitable for the vulnerable groups, particularly those with disabilities;

Ensure the accessibility of ancillary services and their availability on the digital television

platform.

5.5 Post Analogue Switch off Issues

There issues those require attention after the analogue switch off. Among hose issues are the

following:

5.5.1 Technological Obsolescence

During the transition period and after the switchover period, some analogue transmitter equipment

will be disposed of. However, during the transition period, consumers need to be assured that their

television sets will continue to work and the need for set-top boxes. The government should

discourage the importation of analogue receivers after switchover date and make sure that all the


analogue transmitters and receivers are properly disposed of without any environment impact in

the country.

5.5.2 Post Analogue Switch-over Issues on Spectrum Licenses

After analogue switch-over, the available spectrum requirements will be reviewed. Such review

would require that after the expiry of the simulcast period, broadcasters will be required to switch

off their television broadcasting transmitters and operate only on digital broadcast channels

provided by the signal distributor(s). The spectrum licence and the Licence for the broadcaster will

not be an integral package because there will be separate segment for signal distribution by the

signal distributor and content service provision by the broadcaster.

The “Digital Dividend” spectrum can be considered for use for more broadcasting services like

additional channels for High Definition Television (HDTV) and mobile television and /or other

services mobile and broadband applications.

5.6 Content in a Digital Technology Environment

In the digital broadcasting environment the viewer has access to a many channels. These channels

require the audience to use an electronic programming guide (EPG) in order to navigate through

the available programmes. Broadcasters will need to produce high quality programmes and

develop strategic approaches to deal with workforce transition issues in the digital environment.

Government will need to work with the industry on capacity building in this area. Content

production can be an important industry with regard to job creation, conservation, promotion and

export.

5.6.1 Content Regulation

The impact of multi-channel viewing and on-demand services means that regulations cannot be

very specific in terms of setting requirements at the level of types of programming on a specific

channel. Instead the regulatory focus is expected to shift from specific channels to the bouquet

(multi-channel) operator in terms of carriage requirements. In addition, the ability of the user to

control the content viewed through features on the STB, or in some cases to request the content

viewed, will most likely result in more self-regulation and a ‘light touch’ regulatory approach.

The multiplicity of channels will create some challenges, such as inappropriate content from

international sources, among others. The Regulator will be required to develop Digital Channel

Plan (DCP) for Uganda. The DCP determines which channels are allotted to each broadcaster and

the technical characteristics of those channels. By such channel allotments the broadcaster is

enabled to plan its digital transmission coverage.


5.6.2 Production of Content

Relevant content is an important determinant in the uptake of digital broadcasting services. One of

the weaknesses in the broadcasting industry is the low investment in content production. This

weakness may be exacerbated rather than alleviated in the digital environment if it is not

addressed. There will be great need for Government intervention in content development and this

should be a core part of the migration strategy.

5.7 Roles of the different stakeholders

It is recognised that there are different stakeholders will be involved in the implementation of

Digital Broadcasting especially during the transition period.

5.7.1 Roles of Broadcaster

The broadcasters will face the following challenges in the implementation of the new digital

broadcasting services during the transition period:

i) Broadcasters/Signal distributor(s) will have to invest heavily in infrastructure in an effort

to distribute their signal; and employ technical and non technical staff to take care of their

facilities in the field. With the introduction of a signal distributor, the broadcasters will

concentrate on content development and leave the responsibility of signal distribution,

infrastructure development and operation to the signal distributor. Broadcasters will be

freed from the difficulties in site acquisition, infrastructure development, operational and

maintenance costs.

ii) Recognising the key role in developing consumer awareness of the benefits of digital

television, the broadcastors and signal distributors will be undertaking/coordinating

extensive public relations and marketing campaigns to encourage the consumers to covert

to digital television.

5.7.2 Role of the Regulator

The Regulator will have to deal such issues as outlined below during the transition period:

i) The regulator will have to enforce licence conditions as the signal distributor will be

required to ensure compliance to parameters in the licenses as well as declare what has

been installed on sites. This will facilitate the use of authorized transmitter powers and

location of transmitters in designated broadcast sites hence minimizing incidences of

interference.

ii) Aware that there are few suitable transmission sites in urban areas, there be co-location of

transmitters used for analogue and digital transmission during the simulcast period. This is


a impact that the regulator is expected to adress to migigate any cases of signal interference

between the analogue and digital networks.

iii) To make sure that the there adequate information available to consumers on digital issues

ans ensure that disruption consumers is minimised, the regulate to develop a

communication sgtrategy to manage various issues that arise from the the analogue-digital

coversion process.

iv) The regulator needs to make sure that, where possible and necessary, the broadcasters and

distributor(s) have to meet their responsibility to provide accurate and consistent

information to the consumers and the public at large.

v) The regulator should regularly examine digital implementation issues with cerned parties

and stakeholders and explore possiblitities with Government on possible assistance to

broadcasters,distributor(s) and consumers as the case may be.

5.7.3 Role of the Public

Currently, most homes have installed several receiving antennas for broadcast channels from

different transmission sites. With a signal distributor in place, a single antenna will suffice since

the transmitters will be radiating from one location. However, consumers will be required to

purchase Set top Boxes or intergrated digital TV receivers to in order to receive digital terrestrial

transmissions.

The development of robust policy approaches to this process requires a robust, forward-looking

model of the sector and it would be a mistake to attempt to apply or carry forward those industry

specific solutions designed for traditional communications industries into a convergence

environment. Accordingly, the approach to the development of this policy framework is designed

to increase the probability of desired national development outcomes being achieved. This

strategic framework will identify and elaborate upon the major legislative parameters and points of

regulatory leverage relevant in formulating specific actions to harness the dynamics of digital

broadcasting.

5.7.4 Role of the Signal Distributor

The signal distributor will provide:

i. Carriage of the signals from the studio to the distribution sites;

ii. Distribution of the signal to designated transmission sites;

iii. Broadcast the signal within the service area.


5.7.5 Role of Government

In order to ensure that the migration process is executed smoothly and completed within the

agreed timeframe, Government is expected to carry out the following activities among others:

i. Put in place appropriate policy, legislative and regulatory framework to enable smooth

execution of migration process within set time lines;

ii. Undertake fiscal measures to enable consumers procure set top boxes and digital TV receivers

at affordable prices, possibly through tax waivers and subsidies;

iii. Provide appropriate incentives and support for signal distributors and broadcasters to put in

place necessary digital infrastructure and systems;

iv. Support the development of local content.

5.8 Legal and Regulatory Framework

As earlier mentioned, the enactament of Electronic Media Act Cap. 104, Laws of Uganda, in 1996

and the Communications Act Cap. 106, Laws of Uganda, in 1997 established two regulatory

entities for the broadcasting sub-sector, namely; Broadcasting Council, and Uganda

Communications Commision respectively. This therefore means that the current broadcasting

licensing mechanism is a two stage process involving the Broadcasting Council and the Uganda

Communications Commission (UCC). The Broadcasting Council issues broadcasting permits

(licences) whereas UCC is responsible for radio spectrum management including setting technical

standards for radio and television stations. Technological developments in ICTs on the other hand

are blurring the borders between broadcasting and telecommunications. The Internet, which is

intimately linked to telecommunications, can be used for broadcasting much like a radio or

television. With the establishment of the Ministry of Information and Communications

Technology in 2006, Broadcasting Council was transferred from the Ministry of Information and

National Guidance to the Ministry of ICT with the view of creating a one stop shop centre for

broadcasting sector.

For successful transition to digital broadcasting, the two Acts can not continue to be under one

polictical leadership and yet operationally under different entities. It is imperative that in the

interim, prior to the harmonization of the two Acts, a mechanism be established to have in place a

Converged Regulator.

5.9 Copyright

The digital platform notably enables a significant improvement in the quality, quantity and

accessibility of content. New mechanisms are required to compensate content creators and

distributors in an environment where it is easy to replicate perfect copies. Digital simulcast of a

copyright protected for instance may results in a right to additional copyright payments even


though few or no additional viewers are involved. Such demands may be perceived as a

disincentive to provide or extend digital services.

Developments in digital broadcasting may therefore be constrained by right holders, given the

territorial nature of copyright. Legal issues on protection of electronic pay services often encrypted

to ensure remuneration and/or to limit viewing to a specific territory need to be resolved.

In a bid to address copy right issues the following areas need to be clearly address:

i. Establishment of appropriate policies on the access, use and distribution of content in the

diverse digital service environment;

ii. Establishment of a body entrusted with the responsibility of promoting diverse content

creation that supports among others, local content development industry, and;

iii. Streamline the development and supervision of curriculum used in the media training

institutions to utilisation of digital systems.


6. CONCLUSION

The need for migration to Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting is clearly vital. However, factors that

will foster its success in Uganda will include type of legislation, regulation, political buying,

consumer awareness, readiness as well as regional harmonization. In a nutshell, stakeholder

involvement and consent at all levels is key. Notwithstanding the proposed digital migration

strategy, it is additionally important that the recommendations therein are implemented or adhered

to. Availability of funding from Government will facilitate timely implementation of digital

terrestrial broadcasting. Corrective measures for funding from other sources as well as effective

methods for monitoring and evaluation will be necessary. If the mentioned mechanisms are rightly

put in place, Uganda will realize the socio-economic benefits of Digital terrestrial broadcasting

which is notably in line with the Poverty Eradication Action plan in pursuit of prosperity for all.


ANNEXES

Annex 1: Composition of the National Analogue to Digital Broadcasting Migration Group

(NADBMG)

NAME INSTITUTION

1. Dr. Godfrey Kibuuka Ministry of Information and Communications Technology

2. Dr. David Turahi Ministry of Information and Communications Technology

3. Mr. Geoffrey Agoi Ministry of Information and Communications Technology

4. Mr. Patrick Masambu Uganda Communications Commission

5. Mr. Patrick Mwesigwa Uganda Communications Commission

6. Eng. Jonas M. Bantulaki Uganda Communications Commission

7. Mr. Geoffrey Sengendo Uganda Communications Commission

8. Ms Helen Kyeyune Uganda Communications Commission

9. Ms Rebecca Mayanja Uganda Communications Commission

10. Mr. Godfrey Mutabazi Broadcasting Council

11. Kaggwa Meddy Broadcasting Council

12. Atengo Wegoye Broadcasting Council

13. Edward Musinguzi-Mugaba Uganda Broadcasting Corporation

14. Godfrey N. Lugya Uganda Broadcasting Corporation

15. Eng. Angello Nkezza Uganda Broadcasting Corporation

16. Hussein Versi Celtel Uganda (Zain)

17. Farouk Kisuze Uganda Telecom

18. Denis A. Kakonge MTN Uganda

19. Ronald Zakumumpa MTN Uganda

20. Sam Okiring MTN Uganda

21. Georgina Kugonza Musisi Warid Telecom

22. Ivan Edimu Warid Telecom


Annex 2: Uganda Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Plan

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26493 UGA 29 UGA0402TU03 UGA LIRA DT1 40


26495 UGA 29 UGA0503TU03 UGA NAKAPIRIPIRIT DT1 40



27711 UGA 30 UGA1406TU01 UGA BWAHWA HILL DT1 40





27715 UGA 30 UGA0303TU01 UGA OGLI DT1 37

27716 UGA 30 UGA0703TU01 UGA TORORO DT1 40


28921 UGA 31 UGA0903TU02 UGA BUZIGA DT1 40

28922 UGA 31 UGA1306TU03 UGA FORT PORTAL DT1 40

28923 UGA 31 UGA0202TU01 UGA GULU DT1 40

28924 UGA 31 UGA0807TU01 UGA KALIRO DT1 40

28925 UGA 31 UGA0603TU03 UGA KATAKWI DT1 40

30073 UGA 32 UGA0404TU02 UGA APAC DT1 40

30074 UGA 32 UGA0105TU03 UGA ARUA DT1 40

30075 UGA 32 UGA1106TU01 UGA MITYANA DT1 33

30076 UGA 32 UGA1401TU01 UGA MWIZI HILL DT1 40

30077 UGA 32 UGA0303TU03 UGA OGLI DT1 37

30078 UGA 32 UGA0802TU01 UGA RUBAGA HILL DT1 40 KEN




31324 UGA 33 UGA1302TU01 UGA KYENJOJO DT1 40 COD

31325 UGA 33 UGA0902TU04 UGA NAGURU DT1 40


31327 UGA 33 UGA0406TU01 UGA OTWAL DT1 40

32521 UGA 34 UGA0302TU01 UGA ATANGA DT1 40

32522 UGA 34 UGA0106TU02 UGA BUTEBO DT1 40


32524 UGA 34 UGA1305TU01 UGA KASESE DT1 40

32525 UGA 34 UGA1004TU02 UGA KIJUNJUBWA DT1 40

32526 UGA 34 UGA1206TU02 UGA MBIRIZI DT1 40


33719 UGA 35 UGA0804TU03 UGA BUSEMBATYA DT1 40

33720 UGA 35 UGA0905TU02 UGA ENTEBBE DT1 33

33721 UGA 35 UGA1303TU02 UGA KYEGEGWA DT1 33







34846 UGA 36 UGA0808TU03 UGA NAWAIKOKE DT1 40

34847 UGA 36 UGA1404TU01 UGA RUKUNGIRI DT1 40 RRW




36015 UGA 37 UGA0503TU01 UGA NAKAPIRIPIRIT DT1 37

36016 UGA 37 UGA0704TU03 UGA PALLISA DT1 40

36017 UGA 37 UGA0204TU01 UGA PURONGO DT1 40



37133 UGA 38 UGA1101TU02 UGA BUKWIRI DT1 33



37136 UGA 38 UGA0801TU04 UGA

WANYANGE

HILL DT1 40


38268 UGA 39 UGA0601TU01 UGA KUMI DT1 40




38273 UGA 40 UGA0702TU01 UGA BUDADIRI DT1 33


29375 UGA 40 UGA0805TU03 UGA KAMULI DT1 40


39377 UGA 40 UGA1103TU04 UGA KASSANDA DT1 33

39378 UGA 40 UGA1403TU01 UGA

KIHUMURO

HILL DT1 40 RRW


39380 UGA 40 UGA0605TU03 UGA OBALANG DT1 40

39381 UGA 40 UGA0206TU02 UGA PAKUBA DT1 33

40543 UGA 41 UGA0607TU03 UGA ATIRIRI DT1 40







41623 UGA 42 UGA0907TU01 UGA BOMBO DT1 40



41626 UGA 42 UGA1205TU04 UGA LWENTALE DT1 33



41629 UGA 42 UGA1204TU01 UGA RAKAI DT1 30

42883 UGA 43 UGA0806TU03 UGA BUGIRI DT1 33

42884 UGA 43 UGA1405TU03 UGA BUSHENYI DT1 40 RRW



42887 UGA 43 UGA0403TU01 UGA ORUMO DT1 40

42888 UGA 43 UGA0101TU04 UGA PAKWACH DT1 40

44005 UGA 44 UGA0607TU02 UGA ATIRIRI DT1 33

44006 UGA 44 UGA1408TU03 UGA BUGAMBA DT1 40





44011 UGA 44 UGA0305TU01 UGA ROM DT1 40

45049 UGA 45 UGA0705TU02 UGA BUSIA DT1 40

45050 UGA 45 UGA0405TU01 UGA KAMDINI DT1 40

45051 UGA 45 UGA0805TU04 UGA KAMULI DT1 33





45056 UGA 45 UGA0203TU03 UGA PARAK DT1 40

46163 UGA 46 UGA1306TU04 UGA FORT PORTAL DT1 40 COD


46165 UGA 46 UGA0602TU01 UGA OPUYO HILL DT1 40


46166 UGA 46 UGA0203TU01 UGA PARAK DT1 40

46167 UGA 46 UGA0802TU03 UGA RUBAGA HILL DT1 33

47199 UGA 47 UGA0702TU04 UGA BUDADIRI DT1 33

47200 UGA 47 UGA1406TU03 UGA BWAHWA HILL DT1 40

47201 UGA 47 UGA0505TU02 UGA KOTIDO DT1 40

47202 UGA 47 UGA1203TU01 UGA LUKAYA DT1 33

47203 UGA 47 UGA0204TU04 UGA PURONGO DT1 40

47204 UGA 47 UGA0801TU02 UGA

WANYANGE

HILL DT1 40

48302 UGA 48 UGA0401TU01 UGA AMOLATAR DT1 40

48303 UGA 48 UGA0706TU01 UGA

BUWALASI

HILL DT1 40







48310 UGA 48 UGA0305TU03 UGA ROM DT1 37 SDN




49455 UGA 49 UGA0602TU02 UGA OPUYO HILL DT1 40

49456 UGA 49 UGA0201TU04 UGA PAWEL DT1 40


49458 UGA 49 UGA1407TU03 UGA RUSHERE DT1 40

50566 UGA 50 UGA1406TU04 UGA BWAHWA HILL DT1 37 TZA


50568 UGA 50 UGA1103TU01 UGA KASSANDA DT1 33

50569 UGA 50 UGA0801TU03 UGA

WANYANGE

HILL DT1 40

50570 UGA 50 UGA0506TU01 UGA WAIWER DT1 40







51770 UGA 51 UGA1401TU04 UGA MWIZI HILL DT1 40 RRW

51771 UGA 51 UGA0605TU04 UGA OBALANG DT1 40

51772 UGA 51 UGA0206TU03 UGA PAKUBA DT1 40

52923 UGA 52 UGA0404TU04 UGA APAC DT1 40

52924 UGA 52 UGA0907TU04 UGA BOMBO DT1 33




52928 UGA 52 UGA1104TU04 UGA MADDU DT1 40

52929 UGA 52 UGA0808TU01 UGA NAWAIKOKE DT1 40

52930 UGA 52 UGA0506TU04 UGA WAIWER DT1 40




54035 UGA 53 UGA0604TU04 UGA KABERAMAIDO DT1 40


55047 UGA 54 UGA0504TU01 UGA KAPCHORWA DT1 40

55048 UGA 54 UGA1403TU04 UGA

KIHUMURO

HILL DT1 40 RRW




55052 UGA 54 UGA0403TU04 UGA ORUMO DT1 33





56116 UGA 55 UGA0701TU04 UGA BUTEBO DT1 40

56117 UGA 55 UGA0301TU04 UGA PADER DT1 40





57233 UGA 56 UGA0504TU02 UGA KAPCHORWA DT1 40






58433 UGA 57 UGA0205TU04 UGA ADJUMANI DT1 40

58434 UGA 57 UGA0603TU02 UGA KATAKWI DT1 40

58435 UGA 57 UGA0909TU04 UGA KAYUNGA DT1 40

58436 UGA 57 UGA1002TU01 UGA RABONGO DT1 40 COD

58437 UGA 57 UGA1204TU04 UGA RAKAI DT1 40


58439 UGA 57 UGA1003TU04 UGA WAISEMBE DT1 40 COD

59532 UGA 58 UGA0806TU01 UGA BUGIRI DT1 40



59535 UGA 58 UGA0601TU04 UGA KUMI DT1 33






60698 UGA 59 UGA0804TU01 UGA BUSEMBATYA DT1 40




60702 UGA 59 UGA0301TU02 UGA PADER DT1 40





61825 UGA 60 UGA0304TU04 UGA LOKAPEL DT1 40



61828 UGA 60 UGA0704TU01 UGA PALLISA DT1 40








62920 UGA 61 UGA1206TU01 UGA MBIRIZI DT1 33






63926 UGA 62 UGA0703TU04 UGA TORORO DT1 33 KEN


KEY

T-DAB Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting

DVB-T Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial

Band III 174-230 MHz

Band IV and V 470-862 MHz

DS 1 Digital Sound Broadcasting assignment.

DS 2 Digital Sound Broadcasting allotment.

DT 1 Digital Television Broadcasting assignment.

DT 2 Digital Television Broadcasting allotment.

R -1 Remarks 1: ITU symbols of administrations whose analogue assignments are affected by this

digital entry, when applicable.

R-2 Remarks 2: ITU symbols of administrations which formulated conditional Administrative Declarations

(digital-digital) with respect to this digital entry, when applicable.

R-3 Remarks 3: ITU symbols of administrations which formulated conditional Administrative Declarations

with respect to this digital entry, based on their primary terrestrial services other broadcasting,

when applicable.


Annex 3: Status of Worldwide Analogue to Digital Migration

Created by the

DVB Project Office Last update: 03.06/2008 TV Penetration DDT Services

Population (Source - Total Digital Service ASO

Country Wikipedia 11/07) TV Households Households DDT Standard Launch Date

Albania 3,190,000 500,000 DVB-T 2003 2007

Algeria 33,858,000 3,600,000 GE'06 Signatory

Andorra 81,200 DVB-T 2005

Angola 17,024,000 GE'06 Signatory

Armenia 3,002,000 GE'06 Signatory

Australia 21,129,222 7,600,000 4,000,000 DVB-T 2001 2013

Austria 8,316,487 3,300,000 DVB-T 2006 2010

Azerbaijan 8,467,000 DVB-T 2004 (Test)

Bahrain 753,000 GE'06 Signatory

Belarus 9,714,000 3,500,000 DVB-T 2004 (Test)

Belgium 10,457,000 4,100,000 DVB-T 2002 2012

Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,935,000 500,000 DVB-T

Bostwana 1,882,000 GE'06 Signatory

Brunei 390,000 DVB-T Aug-08 2012

Bulgaria 7,639,000 2,700,000 DVB-T

Burkina Faso 14,784,000 GE'06 Signatory

Burundi 8,508,000 GE'06 Signatory

Cambodia 14,444,000 DVB-T

Cameroon 18,549,000 GE'06 Signatory


Cape Verde 530,000 DVB-T

Central African Republic 4,343,000 GE'06 Signatory

Chad 10,781,000 GE'06 Signatory

Cote d'Ivore 19,262,000 GE'06 Signatory

Croatia 4,555,000 1,500,000 DVB-T 2007 2010

Cyprus 855,000 200,000 DVB-T

Czech Republic 10,325,900 3,700,000 DVB-T 2005 2010

Dem. Rep of Congo 62,636,000 GE'06 Signatory

Denmark 5,457,415 2,400,000 DVB-T 2006 2009

Djibout 833,000 GE'06 Signatory

Egypt 75,498,000 12,800,000 GE'06 Signatory

Eritrea 4,851,000 GE'06 Signatory

Estonia 1,342,409 600,000 DVB-T 2006 June, 2010

Ethiopia 77,127,000 GE'06 Signatory

Faroe Islands 48,455 15,000 DVB-T 2002

Finland 5,297,300 2,300,000 975,000 DVB-T 2001 2007

France 64,102,140 24,700,000 17,600,000 DVB-T 2005 2011

Gabon 1,331,000 GE'06 Signatory

Gambia 1,709,000 GE'06 Signatory

Georgia 4,395,000 DVB-T

Germany 82,314,900 35,020,000 DVB-T 2002 2009

Ghana 23,478,000 GE'06 Signatory

Greece 11,147,000 3,600,000 DVB-T 2006 2012

Greenland 58,000 DVB-T


Hong Kong 7,206,000 DMB-T/H

Hungary 10,030,000 3,900,000 DVB-T 2012

Iceland 312,851 100,000 DVB-T

India ########### 70,000,000 DVB-T

Indonesia 231,627,000 DVB-T

Iran 71,208,000 DVB-T

Ireland 4,301,000 1,500,000 DVB-T 2008 2012 target

Israel 7,197,200 1,800,000 DVB-T Dec-08

Italy 59,206,382 23,300,000 9,400,000 DVB-T 2003 2012

Jordan 5,924,000 200,000 GE'06 Signatory

Kazakhstan 15,422,000 GE'06 Signatory

Kenya 37,538,000 DVB-T

Kuwait 2,851,000 GE'06 Signatory

Kyrgyzstan 5,317,000 GE'06 Signatory

Laos 5,859,000 DVB-T

Latvia 2,277,000 803,000 DVB-T

Lebanon 4,099,000 600,000 GE'06 Signatory

Lesotho 2,008,000 GE'06 Signatory

Liberia 3,750,000 GE'06 Signatory

Libya 6,160,000 600,000 GE'06 Signatory

Lithuania 3,372,400 1,300,000 DVB-T 2006 2012

Luxembourg 467,000 200,000 DVB-T 2006 2006

Madagascar 19,683,000 GE'06 Signatory

Malawi 13,925,000 GE'06 Signatory


Malaysia 27,377,000 DVB-T

Mali 12,337,000 GE'06 Signatory

Malta 407,000 200,000 DVB-T 2005 2010

Mauritania 3,124,000 DVB-T

Mauritius 1,262,000 350,000 DVB-T 2005 2011

Moldova 3,794,000 1,200,000 DVB-T

Montenegro 598,000 DVB-T 2008 - start of pilot project 2012

Morocco 31,224,000 3,000,000 DVB-T

Mozambique 21,397,000 GE'06 Signatory

Myanmar 48,798,000 DVB-T

Namibia 2,074,000 DVB-T 2005 2005

Netherlands 16,387,773 7,026,000 2,600,000 DVB-T 2003 2007

New Zealand 4,239,600 1,500,000 700,000 DVB-T 4/2/2008

Niger 14,226,000 GE'06 Signatory

Nigeria 148,093,000 GE'06 Signatory

Norway 4,722,676 2,000,000 DVB-T 2007

Oman 2,595,000 DE

People's Republic of China ########### 380,000,000 DMB-T/H

Poland 38,125,479 13,400,000 DVB-T 2007 (soft launch) 2014

Portugal 10,623,000 3,500,000 DVB-T 2008 2012

Republic of Macedonia 2,038,000 500,000 DVB-T

Republic of the Congo 3,768,000 GE'06 Signatory

Romania 21,438,000 6,800,000 DVB-T

Russia 142,499,000 52,500,000 DVB-T Various trials on air since 2005


Rwanda 9,725,000 GE'06 Signatory

Saudi Arabia 24,735,000 DVB-T 2006

Senegal 12,379,000 DE

Serbia 9,858,000 2,300,000 DVB-T

Singapore 4,436,000 796,000 DVB-T 2001 (mobile)

Slovakia 5,390,000 1,900,000 DVB-T 2008 2012

Slovenia 2,020,000 700,000 DVB-T 2007 End 2010

Somalia 8,699,000 GE'06 Signatory

South Africa 48,577,000 7,000,000 DVB-T 2008 2011

Spain 45,116,894 15,600,000 7,200,000 DVB-T 2000 3rd April 2010

Sri Lanka 19,299,000 DVB-T

Sudan 38,560,000 GE'06 Signatory

Swaziland 1,141,000 GE'06 Signatory

Sweden 9,150,000 4,100,000 DVB-T 1999 Oct-07

Switzerland 7,508,700 2,700,000 DVB-T 2001 2008

Syria 19,929,000 GE'06 Signatory

Taiwan 22,925,000 5,210,000 DVB-T 2004 2010

Tanzania 40,454,000 GE'06 Signatory

Thailand 62,828,706 DVB-T

Togo 6,585,000 GE'06 Signatory

Tunisia 10,327,000 2,000,000 DVB-T Pilots since 2001

Turkey 74,877,000 17,000,000 DVB-T 2008

Uganda 30,884,000 GE'06 Signatory

Ukraine 46,205,000 7,900,000 DVB-T 2006 2014/15


United Arab Emirates 4,380,000 GE'06 Signatory

United Kingdom 60,587,300 25,400,000 21,400,000 DVB-T 1998 2012

Uruguay 3,340,000 DVB-T Pilots began September 2007

Uzbekistan 27,372,000 GE'06 Signatory

Vietnam 87,375,000 DVB-T 2007

Yemen 22,389,000 GE'06 Signatory

Zambia 11,922,000 GE'06 Signatory

Zimbabwe 13,349,000 GE'06 Signatory

Source: www.dvb.org


Annex 4: Financial Implication for Migration from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting

The overriding theme in best practices is – obtaining value. Migration to digital boradcasting is

viewed with significant potentials as enabler of modernization and reform, and is useful in persuit

of the countrys’ Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) among others.

Uganda has a set date of December 2012 as the deadline for television stations to switch entirely

from analog to digital broadcasting. This innately can only be realized when digital broadcasting

infrastructure and accompanying digital receivers/set-top-boxes are within the reach of consumers.

This means that during the transition to complete DTV, a converter box (Set-top-Boxes) will be

required to receive DTV signals and change them to the analog format of the older Analog

television sets. This therefore means that Analog televisions sets will continue to be used until

such a time when they become obsolete. It is therefore arguable that we can stay with the current

technology and strategy for the time being but emphasize on acquisition of DTV-to-analog

converters. The drawback to these converter boxes to consumers, however, is that these DTV-to-

analog converters will not produce true DTV quality. In addition, other benefits of digital

broadcasting such as the deployment and full utilization of electronic program guide (EPG) in the

digital infrastructure will be missed by consumers.

Another factor in the take up of digital broadcasting services is the cost associated with set-top

boxes and that of consumer awareness during the migration process. Government intervention is

therefore necessary to ensure that these cost elements are carefully planned for and taken care of to

ensure a smooth transition.

The table below gives an indicative figure of the cost implications to government in the migration

process:

No. Item Description Cost

(Shs. Billions)

Remarks

1. Equipment Cost Set-top-Boxes 75 TV sets are estimated at 1.5million in the

country. Cost of each STB is estimated at

50,000/=

Add Tax In form of tax waiver

Government Subsidy Other government Intervention

2. Creation of Awareness

Grand Total (Estimates) It is proposed that this cost be met over

a five year period effective July 2009/10

~June 2014).

Documents

DigitalBroadcastingMigrationStrategy_v6a