Draft Strategy
TRANSITION FROM ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL
BROADCASTING IN REPUBLIC OF KOSOVA
July 2013
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 4
Drafting of the Strategy............................................................................................................... 5
1. INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION (BROADCAST REGULATORY
AUTHORITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVA) ....................................................... 6
2.
REVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN BROADCASTING SECTOR IN KOSOVA6
TV channels .................................................................................................................................. 6
Radio channels ............................................................................................................................. 8
Broadcasting on Cable Networks ............................................................................................... 9
Broadcasting on IPTV Network & Satellite Platform .............................................................. 9
Media market ............................................................................................................................. 10
Media penetration in Kosova .................................................................................................... 10
3.
BENEFITS FROM DIGITAL BROADCASTING ................................................ 12
Improved utilization of frequency spectrum ........................................................................... 12
Improved reception of the signal .............................................................................................. 12
Increase of television channels .................................................................................................. 12
Lower cost of broadcasting ....................................................................................................... 13
New picture format .................................................................................................................... 13
New services ............................................................................................................................... 13
I.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK .................................................. 14
4.
REGULATION OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION (DTT) ............. 17
Functional description of the DVB-T2 transmitter chain parts ............................................ 17
Multiplex service ........................................................................................................................ 17
Content provider........................................................................................................................ 18
“Must carry” Rule ..................................................................................................................... 18
II.
PROGRAM CONTENTS ............................................................... 19
Main Principles of Program Content ....................................................................................... 19
New technological forms ........................................................................................................... 20
Programs of General Interest ................................................................................................... 20
Non-profitable audio-visual media services ............................................................................ 21
Stimulated Programs – Fund for subsidizing of program contents ...................................... 21
Regional and local audio-visual media services ...................................................................... 22
III.
TECHNICAL FRAMEWORK....................................................... 23
Technical characteristics of the elements that compose digitalization ................................. 23
Standards of broadcasting and compression........................................................................... 25
Logical Channel Numbering (LCN)......................................................................................... 26
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Common interface ..................................................................................................................... 26
Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and Interactive Program Guide (IPG) ........................... 26
Radio frequency plan ................................................................................................................ 27
National allotment: Kosova ...................................................................................................... 29
Modification of existing assignments in Kosova ..................................................................... 33
Spectrum issues in accessing the benefits of the digital dividend .......................................... 34
Digital Radio Service T-DAB.................................................................................................... 34
Digital Dividend ......................................................................................................................... 36
5. THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL
TELEVISION (DTT) IN KOSOVA ................................................................................ 37
Transition period ....................................................................................................................... 37
Analogue Broadcasting Switch-Off period (ASO) .................................................................. 39
6.
LICENSING OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISIONS (DTT) ................ 39
Considerations during competition .......................................................................................... 40
Minimum coverage requirements and the dynamics for the establishment of multiplex
service ......................................................................................................................................... 40
IV.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION.................................................. 42
Financial cost for transition to digital broadcasting............................................................... 42
Financial impact on broadcasters ............................................................................................ 42
Operating costs (electricity, maintenance, personnel, etc.) .................................................... 42
Public Television (RTK) ............................................................................................................ 42
Commercial TV stations............................................................................................................ 43
Financial impact for viewers..................................................................................................... 43
Funding Models / The role of state institutions ....................................................................... 43
Subsidies for vulnerable groups of citizens ............................................................................. 43
V.
INFORMATION AND AWARENESS .......................................... 45
7. ACTION PLAN FOR REALIZATION OF THE STRATEGY ON DIGITAL
BROADCASTING ............................................................................................................ 46
APPENDIX A - List of abbreviations ...................................................................................... 48
APPENDIX B - Co-channels allotments in the region (7, 31, 44, 46, 48, 58, 67) .................. 49
1.
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2. 1. INTRODUCTION
This document addresses the overall process of the transition of terrestrial television
broadcasting from analog to digital technologies. This document also addresses all
stakeholders (such as industry, civil society, relevant state institutions, who in one way or
another will be involved in the process of transition from analogue to digital broadcasting)
and clearly defines the strategic directions, duties and timeframes.
Digitalization will provide the citizens of Kosova better receipt of TV signal, greater variety
of content, more television programmes, new services for users with disabilities and for senior
citizens, enhanced additional services, portable and mobile programme reception, as well as
convergence of services. Digitalization will bring the options for service providers to adjust
the programme content to the needs of different target groups, provide interactivity, the
potential to provide services on demand and lower broadcasting costs.
The State will benefit from more efficient utilization of the radio frequency spectrum, from
the exploitation of the digital dividend of the spectrum for implementing new services,
promotion of technological development and new job opportunities, improved competition
and more prospects for enhanced creativity and preservation of cultural identity.
In 2006, a new frequency plan for terrestrial television broadcasting was agreed at the Geneva
RRC-06 Conference. The result of the conference are the Final Acts of the Regional
Radiocommunication Conference for planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service in
parts of Regions 1 and 3, in the frequency bands 174-230 MHz and 470-862 MHz (RRC-06)
and two frequency plans; GE-06A for analogue and GE-06D for digital terrestrial television.
Both plans are in use since 2006 but because both includes frequencies of the same spectrum,
the analogue plan is protected by the digital plan. This means that while analogue
broadcasters recorded in the main register are still in operation, the digital broadcasting in that
frequency band can not be used. This protection is guaranteed until 17th of June 2015 when
the transition period will end and the GE-06A plan will be abandoned. Therefore, the
analogue terrestrial television networks should be upgraded to digital technology which will
change the way that viewers receive the audio-visual media services in the future.
The results of the Agreement RRC-06 provide Kosovo with 8 channels (multiplexes) and 2
assignments but leaving almost half of the territory of Kosova out of coverage. The plan of
2006 should be modified to ensure full coverage for the whole territory. The Government of
the Republic of Kosova shall take all the necessary measures to negotiate with International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), specialized agency of the United Nations, for the
membership of Kosova in this international organization. The modified plan needs to be
coordinated with the neighbouring countries because the ITU requires consensus of member
states for modification of the GE-06 plan. The process should be completed at the latest by the
beginning of 2015.
Because of the technological changes, a new legal framework should be established. In the
process of transition to digital broadcasting, many stakeholders should be involved – such as
government, national regulator, audio-visual service providers and citizens, with the purpose
of successful realization of this national strategy.
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This strategy aims at creating the legal framework, the spatial frequency plan for digital
television broadcasting, setting limits and minimum standards on the programmes and the
proposal of socio-economic support to the Republic of Kosova citizens. Thus, the
implementation of this strategy provides better quality and efficient broadcasting of television
and other audio-visual contents of great value for end users.
In the Republic of Kosova, the strategy for transition from analogue braodcasting to digital
broacasting is prepared by the IMC and will be adopted by the Government. A law on
digitalization is drafted under the management of the Ministry of Economic Development
(MED).
The new law on digitalization shall regulate the method and conditions for digital terrestrial
broadcasting, the procedures for switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting, planning,
development and using of networks, the right to multiplex access for digital terrestrial
broadcasting and other matters of importance for digital broadcasting. The law should have
provisions for switch off process of analogue broadcasting and transition to digital terrestrial
broadcasting and provisions on the rights and obligations during the switchover period (ASO).
The purpose of new regulation should be to maintain the efficient use of radio frequency
spectrum pursuant to international and national legal acts for electronic communications,
audio-visual media services with available technological options. Legal provisions which
regulate the field of electronic communication (Law on electronic communication) and media
(Law on IMC) should apply accordingly to the matters relating to digital broadcasting.
The Law on IMC has been amended and as a new one has entered into force on April 2012.
The competences and the power of IMC remains the same. The new structure consists of the
members of the Commission, the Executive Office and the Appeals Board.
Drafting of the Strategy
Working groups led and financed by the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the
competent institution for the regulation and management of broadcasting spectrum and
licensing of audio-visual media services in the Republic of Kosova, have worked on drafting
this strategy.
For this purpose, the IMC Commission established five working groups:
Working Group on Legal Issues;
Working Group on Program Content Issues;
Working Group on Technical Issues;
Working Group on Social-Economic Issues; and
Working Group on Information and Awareness.
The working groups were composed of different members representing different institutions
and stakeholders. All working groups were chaired by IMC members. Their meetings started
in August 2010. Based on the data provided by the IMC, but also by local and international
experts, drafted specific parts of the strategy, such as: Regulatory Framework,
Content/programming principles; Technical Framework; Economic and social feasibility and
the Plan for Public Information.
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3. INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION (BROADCAST REGULATORY
AUTHORITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVA)
The Independent Media Commission (IMC) was established by the Assembly of Kosova in
2005 as an institution responsible for managing and regulating the broadcasting frequency
band and the licensing of public and private media. The work of the IMC is organized at the
decision-making level (IMC Council), executive level (the Executive Office) and with the
appeal level (the Media Appeals Board).
The Independent Media Commission is an independent body for regulation, management, and
supervision of the broadcasting frequency spectrum. IMC regulates the rights, obligations and
responsibilities of natural and legal persons that provide audio and audio-visual media
services.
According to the Law on IMC no.04/L-44, IMC prepares the strategy for the transition to
digital broadcasting in the Republic of Kosova, as well as other strategic documents for audiovisual media services, for approval by the Government.
4. REVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN BROADCASTING SECTOR IN KOSOVA
TV channels
In Kosova, the television sector consists of 3 TV channels with national coverage and 18 TV
channels with local and regional coverage. The public service broadcaster - Radio Television
of Kosovo, first program (RTK1), broadcasts 24 hours a day, covering 62.7% of Kosovo’s
territory and 80% of the population, through terrestrial broadcasting. Whereas RTK 2,
licensed by the IMC as program service provider for broadcasting program in the Serbian
language, is on the testing phase and actually the signal of RTK2 is distributed only on cable
networks. The two private broadcasters with national coverage, TV21 and Koha Vision
(KTV), reach the same coverage as the RTK. All three television stations broadcast
terrestrially and via satellite. Via satellite broadcast all three broadcasters cover the whole
territory of Kosova.
The company named KTTN (Kosovo Terrestrial Transmission Network) performs
broadcasting services for the needs of 3 national televisions (RTK, TV21 and KTV) and 4
radio stations (Radio 21, Radio Dukagjini and both public radio Radio Kosova 1 and Radio
Kosova 2). KTTN was created as a part of a project financed by the USAID for Kosova
Independent Media Project (KIMP), managed and implemented by IREX/Kosova. KTTN
operates as shareholding company owned by RTK (25% of shares), RTV 21 (35%), KTV
(35%) and the private national radio broadcaster Radio Dukagjini (with 5% of shares).
For the coverage with TV signal, the KTTN network consists of 6 broadcasting sites:
Vneshta, Zatriq, Cernusha, Maja e Gjelber, Koliq and Kranidell.
The 18 regional and local TV stations: (TV Besa, TV Balkan, TV Dukagjini, TV Festina, TV
Herc, TV Iliria, TV Liria, TV Men, TV Mir, TV Mitrovica, TV Most, TV Opinion, TV
Prizren, TV Puls, TV Syri Vision, TV Tema, TV Vali and TV Zoom), operate using private
broadcasting sites/networks and together they cover 68.14 % of the territory of the Republic.
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Despite the fact that a considerable number of TV channels operate on terrestrial analogue
network, there are regions of Kosova which have no access to their signals.
The major concern remains the Region of Dragash with a population of 33.584 Albanians,
Bosnians and Gorans, which does not have access to the terrestrial signal of broadcasters with
national coverage. By the previous law (Law No. 02/L-47) on the Radio Television of
Kosova, the public broadcaster of Kosova (RTK) should have covered 90% of the population
but for 13 years they managed to reach coverage of 80%. Many of the broadcasting sites
which RTK should have used are out of function because of destroyed infrastructure and they
were not rebuilt because of lack of financial means.
The major problem remains the neccessay broadcasting use of Golesh Peak. In fact, the upper
part of this broadcasting site which is 1019m above the sea level (altitude) is used only for
military purposes by KFOR forces. The lower part, which is 969 m above the sea level, has
been allowed to be used only for FM broadcasters, four national broadcasters: two RTK
channels (Radio Kosova 1 and Radio Kosova 2) and two commercial channels: Radio 21 and
Radio Dukagjini, including here also conveyance of FM and TV signals for Zatriq.
If TV stations could broadcast from the upper site of Golesh Peak, the coverage on the whole
territory of the Republic of Kosova would increase up to 90%. With the reactivation of this
broadcasting site, also the Dragash region could be covered using repeaters.
Although the IMC has licensed a number of local broadcasters in Prizren and Dragash, there
is no coverage with qualitative signal for the majority of citizens in this part of Kosova. The
only way how the population of Dragash can ensure access to audio-visual media services is
through satellite and cable platforms.
In Dragash there is only one cable operator, located in Restelica, through which the
popullation of this region can watch national TV chanels and local TV channels of Prizren.
Whereas, through satellite platform the RTK program, which is shorter than the program
broadcast in terrestrial network, and programs of other TV channels of Kosova that broadcast
their programs in satellite platform can be seen. It is a legal obligation of RTK to fulfil its
public remit to cover the territory of the Republic of Kosova and ensure access to its program
to all citizens of Kosova.
Besides Dragash, there is no qualitative receipt of the TV signal of RTK and the other
commercial national broadcasters also in some parts of Mitrovica region (Skenderaj, Zvecan,
Leposavic and Zubin Potok), of Podujeva region (Orllan), Kacanik, Hani i Elezit, and the
Anamorava region (Pogragjë).
Out of 21 TV stations licensed by the IMC, three (3) belong to the category with national
coverage, eleven (11) with regional coverage, six (6) with local coverage and one (1) with low
power transmission. The current categorization is based on the location of broadcasting site
and technical parameters.
Below is presented the current situation of audio-visual media services with respect to their
coverage. The data used for the calculation of the population per municipality are based on
the 2011 report of the Agency for Statistics of Kosova. New municipalities are not included as
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well as the data on the population of the municipalities of Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok
are missing.
RTK (public service broadcaster, national category) covers 23 municipalities1 with 1,503,916
inhabitants;
TV 21 (national category) covers 22 municipalities with 1,503,196 inhabitants;
KTV (national category) covers 22 municipalities with 1,053,196 inhabitants;
TV Besa (regional category) covers 5 municipalities with 426.009 inhabitants;
TV Dukagjini (local categories) covers 3 municipalities with 172.602 inhabitants;
TV Festina (local category) covers 2 municipalities with 135.978 inhabitants;
TV Iliria (local category) covers 1 municipality with 46.959 inhabitants;
TV Mir (regional category) covers 4 municipalities with 82.607 inhabitants;
TV Mitrovica (regjional category) covers 7 municipalities with 554.696 inhabitants;
TV Puls (regional category) covers 2 municipalities with 136.974 inhabitants;
TV Balkan (regional category) covers 3 municipalities with 292.867 inhabitants;
TV Tema (local categories) covers 6 municipalities with 296.677 inhabitants;
TV Zoom (low power category) covers 1 municipality with 90.015 inhabitants;
TV Herc (regional category) covers 10 municipalities with 375.916 inhabitants;
TV Liria (local category) covers 2 municipalities with 135.978 inhabitants;
TV Men (regional category) covers 3 municipalities with 172.574 inhabitants;
TV Most (local categories) covers 3 municipalities with 141.482 inhabitants;
TV Opinion (regional category) covers 5 municipalities with 426.009 inhabitants;
TV Prizren (regional category) covers 5 municipalities with 426.009 inhabitants;
TV Syri Vision (regional category) covers 6 municipalities with 360.797 inhabitants;
TV Vali (regional category) covers 2 municipalities with 136.974 inhabitants;
For the citizens of Kosova, television remains the most important source of information
(85%). As a legacy from the past, Kosova is divided into 5 broadcasting regions: Prishtina,
Peja, Prizren, Mitrovica and Gjilan. But, the media market remains dominated by the
television stations based in Pristina, which broadcast nation-wide.
All TV stations licensed in Kosova serve to every ethnic community in their language: 14
broadcast in Albanian Language, Television of Kosova (RTK) broadcasts around 15% of its
programming also in the languages of minorities, 5 televisions broadcast in Serbian Language
and 1 in Turkish Language.
Radio channels
Four nation-wide radio stations, in the technical aspect are broadcast by KTTN: two public
radios (Radio Kosova and Radio Kosova 2), and two private radios (Radio 21 and Radio
Dukagjini). Whereas, 79 other local radio stations broadcast from their own networks.
1Prishtinë,FushëKosovë,Obiliq,Vushtri,Lipjan,Shtimje,Ferizaj,Pejë,Gjakovë,Prizren,Klinë,Gjilan,
Kamenicë,Viti,
Mitrovicë,Rahovec, Podujevë, Istog, NovoBërdë, Decan, Malishevë, Suharekë dhe Zveqan. RTK covers one
municipality more than the two commercial nationwide broadcasters (NovoBërdë)
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All radio stations licensed in Kosova serve to every ethnic community in their language.
Thus, 46 radio stations broadcast in Albanian Language, 26 radio stations in Serbian
Language, 3 radio stations in Bosnian Language, 2 in Turkish Language, 2 in Goran
Language, 1 in Roma Language and 4 are multi-ethnic radio stations.
Broadcasting on Cable Networks
Cable television has spread fast in the last couple of years and it has increased the diversity of
programmes and channels in Kosova, bringing to the public of Kosova programmes from the
region, Europe and the USA.
Cable operators are licensed according to the regulation adopted by the IMC Council in 2007.
Cable operators must submit an application for the licence to provide TV cable services in
Kosova, and they are obliged to carry RTK free of charge in their networks and in exchange,
RTK is obliged to provide cable operators with the same programming that it broadcasts
terrestrially. Cable operators must apply must-carry rule for all local/regional TV stations
based on their coverage area. Cable operators are responsible for the technical maintenance of
their networks and are required not to cause harmful interference with each other’s
subscribers.
There are 17 licensed cable operators in Kosova: Ipko Telecommunications, and Kujtesa Net
are cable operators with a national coverage and the other 15 cable operators are local: Eagle
(Prizren), Elektra (Hani i Elezit), TV Eho (Reçan), Progres (Sterpce), Eurina (Skenderaj), TV
Net (Lubinje-Prizren), Link Produkcija (Gracanica), Dream (Dragash), Kumanova
(Suhareka), Intersat (Drenas), KDS Telestar IC (Ropotova/Kamenica), NSH Drinia Net
(Ratkoc), Elektroni (Zhur), EGC (Vllashne/Prizren), BB Herc (Shterpce).
In cable networks are accommodated also 37 licensed program service providers that
distribute their TV programmes. In the absence of frequencies for TV license, the IMC
Council in 2007 through the Regulation CIMC 2007/04 on Cable Distribution of Radio and
TV Programs in Kosova, introduced the program service providers which were licensed
individually. The majority of these televisions air music only and out of 50 licensed only 25
of them are active. The reason why 12 of them stopped working is of economic nature. This
provides a basis to reconsider the policy for issuing new licenses for this category. The
program service providers are not included in must carry rule and they have to ensure that
they have a channel in the cable operator before getting a license from IMC.
Broadcasting on IPTV Network & Satellite Platform
The audio-visual market includes also an IPTV operator, Kosova Post and Telecom, which
has delivered 3000 Set Top Boxes, but is not licensed for content by the IMC in the absence
of the respective bylaw. There is no satellite broadcaster of Kosova which broadcast its
program only via satellite. The rebroadcasting of audio-visual contents through other
networks other than cable (IPTV and satellite) shall be regulated through a by-law of the
IMC.
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Media market
In Kosova, there has been a lack of data on assessment and analysis on annual basis for the
capacity of advertising - media market, for almost all media. The IMC, because of the lack of
the budget, could not establish a system that would enable this assessment annually.
However, in 2011, the IMC engaged a research company to conduct a survey on media
market. Evaluation was done in these municipalities: Prishtina, Prizren, Mitrovica, Peja,
Shtëprcë, Gjilan, Zubin Potok, Zvecan and Leposavic. (The IMC is in the process of carrying
out a similar survey also for this year and the results will be published at the end of August).
361 companies have been interviewed based on which the results is concluded that these
companies has spent 10,068,230.00 € for advertising on electronic media in 2011.
Approximate similar amount has been estimated also from the calculations done by the IMC
based on the annual reports provided by 76 broadacsters (out of 105 licensed broadcasters) to
the IMC for the year 2011.
While in 2012, from the data reported by 62 broadcasters (including also RTK, national
commercial broadcasters and those regional and local ones), the IMC has estimated that their
budget from advertisements, as a revenue, reaches the amount of 7,977,042.90 €.
Broadcaster
Incomes from advertising Kosovo Budget for RTK
2012
2012
RTK
1,776,000.00 €
8,910,000.00 €
Commercial nationwide radios (R21
and radio Dukagjini) and TV stations
6,201,042.90 €
(TV 21 and KTV) together with
local/regional radio and TV stations
Total
7,977,042.90 €
Table 1. 2012 budget of 62 broadcasters
Media penetration in Kosova
IMC managed to conduct a survey also for the assessment of the viewership and penetration
of the media in the Republic of Kosova in late 2011. Research was done in these
municipalities: Prishtina, Mitrovica, Peja, Gjilan, Prizren, Zubin Potok Shtërpcë, Zvecan and
Leposavic. (The IMC is in the process of carrying out a similar survey also this year and
results will be published at the end of August).
This research included 3441 respondents. According to the results obtained by processing data
collected in the field, it can be concluded that the television signal in the Republic of Kosova
is received on various platforms. Besides acceptance of terrestrial television signal that
reaches around 67%, the access to television is provided also through cable platform with a
rate of 49.2%. The rest of the respondents receive television signals via other platforms such
as satellite, IPTV and Internet. Only 0.5% of the respondents claimed to not have a TV set.
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Based on the data of the survey, out of 3441 respondents, 2083 have digital LCD television,
unlike the 1335 respondents who declared that they have analogue television sets. Of all
respondents, 71.5% have only one television set while the rest have two or more television
devices. From this research with the number of respondents considered that only 38.8% do
not have digital TV (HD ready), while the rest according to the survey do not require
additional equipment.
About the viewership, the survey showed that 50.5% of respondents watch TV 3-4 hours per
day, whereas the time they watch most is in the evening (prime time) with 79.2% of
respondents. Regarding television preferences, 66.5% of respondents prefer to see national
television channels (RTK, KTV and TV 21), while 33.5% of respondents prefer other TV
stations.
TV preferences are mainly focused on the categories as "best quality" - 41.1% of respondents,
"entertainment shows" - 13.5% of respondents and "sport” - 12.8%, while the programming
categories like movies and serials are reasons that remain at rest in the percentage of
respondents and are less preferred.
In 2009, for the purposes of preparation of this strategy, the IMC has conducted the survey
"Assessing the willingness of TV stations in the Republic of Kosova for the transition to
digital broadcasting", with all local and national television broadcasters licensed by the IMC.
From a total of 21 television stations, only 19 responded to this survey. On this survey:
- Half of television stations stated that they produce their content using technology
DV/DVCAM, HDTV use 25%, 15% use DVCPRO25/50, while 5% use BETA SX and
HDCAM.
- In the field of signal transmission and contribution, 25% use SDI, 20% Composite and
Optical analogue system, 15% MPEG2 TS and 10% ASI and Analog Component
1394/DV/HDV system.
- More than half of the television stations (54.5%) are unable to upgrade their existing
analogue transmitters. Only 27% of analogue television transmitters can be easily converted
to digital. While 18.2% have the possibility of combining analogue/DVB.
- Television stations are able to produce around 29 channels in SD (720x576 PAL) while only
4 channels in HD (1080i, 1080p or 720p).
- 39.4% of interviewed television stations stated that their primary source of financing is
advertising. Outsourcing of production capacities is another financial source representing
30.3% of total revenues. Donor financed projects represent 12.1%. Funding from other
sources makes 18.2% of revenues (corporations which operate several local television
channels).
- Some television stations do not consider investing more in the technology, because they
have already completed their investments in digital technology. Most stations have declared
that they will invest from their own resources. A very small number of responses stated that
they will try to cover the cost of digitization through loans.
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- In general, most television stations share the opinion of increasing the number of
professional staff during the transition to digital broadcasting. Television stations are ready to
start the awareness campaign to inform the viewers to switch to the digital platform according
to the strategy and law on digitalization.
- Most of the television stations (69%) share the opinion that the transition to digital
broadcasting will result in changes in their programme scheme, while 31% stated that they do
not need to change their programming schedule.
- All television stations stated that they will not have a problem to execute internal changes
and modifications in the transition to digital broadcasting. They also stated that the beginning
of these preparations depends on strategy and law on digitalization in Kosova.
5. BENEFITS FROM DIGITAL BROADCASTING
Improved utilization of frequency spectrum
The digital terrestrial broadcasting system is based on the Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplex (OFDM) using a high number of carriers in the same frequency channel as
analogue television. Therefore, the channel is much more efficiently used reaching the
capacity of maximum 31.67 Mbit/s which can accommodate up to 10 standard television
channels compressed in MPEG-4 format. In case of using DVB-T2/MPEG-4 the capacity is
increased to 50.59 Mbit/s which corresponds to 14-18 standard television channels. In a
digital network TV channels are sharing the same frequency while in analogue each TV
channel requires its own frequency channel. With the application of Single Frequency
Network (SFN) all transmitters in the network share the same frequency while in analogue
each TV transmitter in the network uses different frequency. Using the digital terrestrial
system DVB-T2 a substantial improvement utilization of the frequency spectrum can be
achieved.
Improved reception of the signal
The propagation of the OFDM signal is much more robust compared to analogue. The digital
signal from the propagation nature differs from analog signal and, as a result, has significant
reduce of interferences. In addition, the signals from several transmitters using the same
frequency in the SFN network will improve the reception. When digital, the received
television picture is free of “ghosts” and “snowy” effects which are typical in analogue
technique.
Increase of television channels
In analogue terrestrial broadcasting in Europe the broadcasting spectrum can accommodate 3
to 4 national networks, whereas in the digital frequency plan, each country has the possibility
to establish much larger number of national networks. Each digital network can provide 10
television channels, respectively 80 television programs in DVB-T or 16 television channels
which enables 128 television programs in DVB-T2, which is 10 to 16 times more than analog
television channels. However, the broadcasting spectrum is still considered as a scarce
resource. The capacity of the digital networks encourages the production of more television
channels, mostly thematic.
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Lower cost of broadcasting
Digital networks are 30 to 40% more expensive compared to the analogue, but due to the fact
that the same digital network is used by more than one TV channel, the price per channel is
lower than in analogue, which means that broadcasting cost is lower.
New picture format
While in the analogue television system the picture has standard format with aspect ratio 4:3,
digital television offers the possibility to broadcast content in aspect ratio 16:9 and in high
definition format (HDTV).
New services
Aside from television channels, digital television can provide also other services, additional
services, such as electronic programme guide and multimedia services. Digital DVB-T can
provide any digital content such as for example “Data casting”.
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I. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The legal framework that supports the creation and functioning of free media in Kosova is quite
advanced, which resulted in a relatively high number of licensed media, such as through analogue
terrestrial broadcasting and rebroadcasting of broadcasts on digital cable platforms. IMC has built a
legal basis through secondary laws (the Code and relevant regulations) which is adapted to
European legislation.
The authority of IMC is also confirmed by the institutional and legal framework, the Constitution
of the Republic of Kosova. The Constitution guarantees the protection of human rights and
international community and European standards, respects democratic principles of subsidiarity and
local government and includes basic provisions relating to citizenship.
The Public Broadcasting Service is regulated by the special law (lex specialis) Law no.04/L-046 on
Radio Television of Kosova.
There is a clear need to update the existing Kosova legal framework so that it may increase the
efficiency of its license scheme, introduce new roles for the new players of the digital television
sector and pave the way for the regulation of convergent services.
Other laws in Kosova which relate to media and the authority of IMC, in particular with respect to
the broadcast regulation, are the ones that cover public broadcaster, copyright and related rights,
cinematography, local and general elections, the law on defamation and insult, consumer
protection, competition, public private partnership and public enterprises:
Law no.04/L-046 on the Radio Television of Kosova adopted on 29 March 2012
Law no.04/L-065 on Copyright and related rights adopted on 21 October 2011
Law no.2004/22 on Cinematography adopted on 8 July 2004
Law no.03/L-73 on General Elections in the Republic of Kosova adopted on 5 June 2008
Law no.02/L-65 – Civil Law Against Defamation and Insult adopted on 15 June 2006
Law no.2004/17 on Consumer Protection adopted on 16 June 2004
Law no.2004/36 on Competition adopted on 8 September 2004
Law no.04/L-045 on Public-Private Partnership adopted on 21 October 2011
Law no.03/L-087 on Public Enterprises adopted on 20 April 2012
Law no.04/L-109 on Electronic Communications, adopted on 04 October 2012.
In accordance with the Law on IMC No.02/L-15 adopted in 2005, the IMC approved the following
regulations:
Decision IMC - 2007 - 01 on Determination of the Level and Manner of the Payment of License
Fee for Radio and Television;
Regulation CIMC – 2007/04 on Cable Distribution of Radio and Television Programs in Kosova;
Decision CIMC - 2007/05 on Determination of the Level and Manner of Payment of License Fees
for Cable Operators and Service Providers through Cable Programs, as well as
Regulation CIMC - 2007/06 on Advertisement for broadcasters.
In 2009, in preparation of secondary legislation and package for long-term licensing of
broadcasters, the IMC adopted the by-laws on Protection of Children and Minors from Harmful
Program Contents, Qualifications for Issuing the License of IMC for Broadcasting, Compliance
with the Copyright Obligations, Audio-visual Commercial Communications, in accordance with the
AVMS Directive of the EU.
During 2013, Independent Media Commission amended the following regulations in order to
harmonize them with the IMC Law No. 04/L-44, which were adopted on 28 May 2013:
1. Regulation KPM 2013/01 on Protection of Children and Minors on the Audio-Visual Media
Services;
2. Regulation KPM 2013/02 on Copyright
3. Regulation KPM 2013/03 on Audio-Visual Commercial Communications.
4. Regulation KPM 2013/04 IMC Regulation for Issuing the License;
5. Part one – General terms and conditions of the IMC License.
In 2010, the Code of Conduct for Electronic Media was amended, as well as Decision 2007/05 on
the Determination of the Level and the Manner of Payment of License Fee for Cable Operators and
Program Service Providers, Decision CIMC 2008/01 Determination of the Level and the Manner of
Payment of License Fee for Radio and Television that have been determined for cable operators,
program services providers and especially for the broadcasters, which have been implemented since
2008 for the payment of the license fee.
Amendments to these two important acts adopted by the Council of IMC have entered into force on
15 December 2010 resulting in the new Code for Audio-Visual Media Services and with the
Regulation on the Level and Manner of the Payment of License Fee for Audio-Visual Media
Services (KKPM 2010/02), which in accordance with the IMC Law, sets payment and the level of
fees for all categories and types of licenses.
The regulations of the Council of Europe (CE) are mostly embodied in the applicable legislation of
the Republic of Kosova, either as part of laws or as separate legal acts adopted by the IMC.
Referred CE regulations particularly imply the following acts:
European Convention on Human Rights;
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages;
Resolution on the Right of Reply;
Declaration on the Freedom of Expression and Information;
Recommendations on media pluralism and diversity of media content;
Declaration on the role of community media in promoting social cohesion and intercultural
dialogue;
Declaration on freedom of political debate in the media;
Recommendation on the right of reply in the new media environment.
The IMC has harmonized its regulations with the Directive AVMS as well as with the EU
regulations related to this field, which includes the following acts:
Audio-visual Media Services Directive;
Protocol on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States;
Communication from the Commission on the application of State aid rules to public service
broadcasting;
Decision on the media program;
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Recommendation on the protection of minors;
Conclusion on principles for Community’s audiovisual policy;
Decision on inter-active media content;
Recommendations on the protection of minors and human dignity;
Recommendation on the development of competition;
Resolution to intensify exchange of information;
Conclusion on the application of recommendations on the protection of minors.
The Republic of Kosova shall reform legal framework governing radio-diffusion in Kosova,
keeping in mind binding EU legal instruments and the expected transition from the analogue to
digital terrestrial broadcasting, and shall clearly define the role, rights and obligations of all
participants in the audio-visual media content production and distribution chain.
Reformed legal framework shall enable public and transparent procedure for awarding licenses, on
platform-wise neutral basis and on request by content providers, under the in-advance prescribed
and non-discriminatory conditions, adjusted to the type of service, linear or non-linear, that the
applicant plans to provide. The license-awarded right to provide media service by digital terrestrial
broadcasting or analogue broadcasting, before the expected complete transition to digital terrestrial
broadcasting, shall be granted in a public competition.
After the transition to digital broadcasting in the Republic of Kosova, new licenses for digital
terrestrial broadcasting will be issued in accordance with the procedures determined with the legal
framework, based on the analysis on the needs of citizens and social groups related to media
content, based on market analysis, but also evaluation of the influence of new providers on market
content. Decision on issuance of licenses shall be made for the coverage areas and types of
programs, for which new licenses shall be awarded. Same procedures shall apply also in the case of
any request for the development of program offer offered by the public broadcaster.
By reformed legal framework, the Republic of Kosova shall strongly guarantee citizens’ right to
broad choice of media content through different platforms for their distribution (satellite, cabledistribution, terrestrial broadcasting, etc.). Obligations of the dominant platform operators shall be
set to broadcast certain content (must carry) and the obligations of dominant public service
providers to offer their content to operators under non-discriminatory conditions.
With the view of realizing public interest in the sphere of information, important for the life and
work of citizens in local and regional communities, proportionate minimum quotas of local and
regional programs shall be determined by law for the media holding licenses issued by the IMC.
The Republic of Kosova shall guarantee free competition on the electronic public media market. It
shall suppress restrictive agreements prohibited by regulations on the protection of competition,
both when horizontal - between media themselves, and when vertical - between media and
mediators on advertisement market, or between media and operators of the media content
distribution platforms.
The Republic of Kosova shall ensure consistent respect of laws concerning advertising, along with
concurrent liberalization of these regulations, in the extent in which that is in accordance with
international practice and internationally obligations.
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6. REGULATION OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION (DTT)
The competent bodies and organizations in the Republic of Kosova are actively engaged in
completing the process of transition from analogue to digital broadcasting of terrestrial television
signals, implementing all activities relevant to this process, respecting the rights of the broadcasters
ensured by their current licenses for television broadcasting in accordance with the international
obligations and the existing regulatory framework.
Digital television brings great changes in comparison with analogue. Current broadcasters become
providers of audio-visual media services, whereas services of broadcasting and transmitting of TV
programs are provided by Multiplex service. Thus, the transmitting frequency spectrum will be
more efficiently utilized, the market competition will increase, along with an increase in the
capacity for improving creative work and preserving cultural identity.
Process of transition from analogue to digital broadcasting also includes some costs for citizens in
the form of obtaining a receiver for digital signal. Republic of Kosova will in this respect pay
special attention to vulnerable social categories, the poor and persons with disabilities. Through
various incentives and subsidies, they will be provided a special status in the process of
digitalization. The State, in the process of digitization will pay special attention to privacy and data
protection for the media service providers.
In order to introduce digital terrestrial television in Kosova, minimum requirements for the changes
would be to introduce provisions to regulate new players/participants in the digital broadcasting
chain: content providers and multiplex service as well as definition of the “must carry“ rule in the
audio-visual sector.
Functional description of the DVB-T2 transmitter chain parts
Multiplex service
"Multiplex service" as the service provider, is licensed to install and operate digital terrestrial
television multiplex. Necessary frequencies are given to the service and not to the television
channels as it was a regulative practice in the past, while in digital terrestrial channels content
providers share the same service. A multiplex service will use the specified frequencies in the
national frequency plan for digital terrestrial television broadcasting, ensuring efficient use of the
frequency spectrum and the avoidance of harmful interference. Service must comply with the
technical standards specified in the license. Multiplex service must ensure the reliability of system
functioning, implementing procedures for the control and management of installed equipment, as
well as providing qualified personnel in order to guarantee the maximum quality of the system.
Multiplex service must give access in the system to all licensed content providers under equal, nondiscriminatory and transparent conditions. In case when a multiplex service is also a content
provider, a structural separation will be foreseen which will be regualated by law.
Service providers of conditional access must act in accordance with the technical standards set by
the IMC, especially with regard to synchronization algorithm to avoid market share. Service
provider is required to prepare the Service List for end users. Service List approved for the
providing of conditional access services will be mandatory also for content providers that provide
programs, and for multiplex services. Service List must contain information on the costs of services
and how they are activated, the procedures for termination of the contract and the modalities of
activation (by phone, on-line, or service centers).
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Content provider
"Content provider" is basically the broadcaster. In a digital terrestrial television platform the right
to use the frequency is replaced with the right to enter into the digital terrestrial multiplex. The
licence to produce and distribute a television programme does not cover the right to enter into the
multiplex despite the digitalisation, as the terrestrial platform is still considered as a scarce
resource. Therefore, a general authorisation licence defines the content related issues while an
additional licence is needed to distribute a TV channel via the digital terrestrial platform.
“Must carry” Rule
The “Must-carry” rule ensures the access to the networks and to the platforms operated by the
service provider under affordable (ideally cost oriented), non-discriminatory and transparent
conditions. The “Must-carry” rule is used for the public television programmes and for the
programmes holding the status of special importance. Most EU countries, enforce some form of
must-carry rule. In the European regulatory framework on electronic commications, for example,
article 3(1) of the Universal Service Directive permits Member States to impose “must-carry”
proportionate and transparent obligations on cable television network operators, but these
obligations may also be imposed on terrestrial and satellite networks. Must carry rule should be
limited to a reasonable number of channels, especially public service channels. Must carry status
supersedes the additional licence to enter the terrestrial digital multiplex.
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II. PROGRAM CONTENTS
Based on the IMC Law, the European Convention on Transfrontier Television as well as on the EU
Audiovisual Media Services Directive, namely AVMS Directive, the IMC creates the basic
framework of the programme content, depending on the type of audio-visual media service that
operates in the Republic of Kosova.
“Program” means a set of moving pictures with or without sound constituting a single unit with no
schedule or catalogue set by the media service provider and whose form is comparable to the form
and content of television broadcasting (for example long films, sports events, comedies,
documentaries, children programs and original dramas).
Main Principles of Program Content
Having in mind the objective of the Kosovar society to build a free and democratic society with
regard to equality between all citizens, aiming toward the creation of a favourable climate of
tolerance between different ethnic, religious, gender, cultural and political groups, aiming toward
the faster integration of the country in the Euro-Atlantic structures, and for encouraging the
continued improvement of cultural and educational life, general living conditions of citizens of
Kosova as well as ensuing the preservation of peace and security;
Having in mind the need to ease the undertaking and developing of activities for individuals and the
industry that deal with production of programmes containing information, educative and cultural
aspects;
Having in mind the need that the Kosova broadcasters ensure that the audio-visual services under
their jurisdiction give priority to the promotion of the production and access of Kosovar and
European content;
Having in mind the cultural diversity and the possibilities of development of the professional
quality of the programme content;
Having in mind the reality and the diversity of broadcasters in the Republic of Kosova as well as
their interests;
The Independent Media Commission, as a regulator of the audio-visual media services, during the
process of the switch over of transmission from analogue to digital, sets out the main criteria of the
programme content of the audio-visual media services of the Republic of Kosova.
Audio-visual programs should respect main values of society and individual freedoms guaranteed
by the Constitution of the Republic of Kosova as well as by the European Convention on Human
Rights. First of all, the audio-visual programs should respect and affirm dignity, freedom, equality,
solidarity, and citizen’s rights on information of the citizens in a general and objective manner.
Audio-visual program content should reveal correctness, trustworthiness and professionalism.
In this regard, the audio-visual content or radio programmes should reveal correctness,
trustworthiness and professionalism. Events shown on the audio-visual programmes should be
based on facts, be unbiased, respecting differences of opinion regarding phenomena or different
problems, not allowing influences of either of the parties involved or groups of interests.
Producers and broadcasters of audio-visual programmes are obliged, in accordance with the Law on
Copyright and the IMC regulations, to strictly respect copyrights and similar rights during the
process of production of their own programmes as well as during the process of broadcasting of
foreign programs.
New technological forms
Directions in which are opened new technological forms of presentation of audio-visual and
multimedia content can be divided into the following categories:
Pay TV;
Mobile TV;
High Definition TV (HDTV); and
Interactive Television.
Considering that the convergence of networks offers the possibility to separate program content
production from broadcasting and its distribution, which enables program content producers,
concentrating only on the production of these contents, which also is their main activity, within the
regulation should be defined categories of specific subjects, respectively, clearly to be separation of
activity of program production from that of broadcasting and its distribution.
Creation of legal and regulatory framework should take into account the convergence process, and
possible effects in the area regulated by this strategy.
Programs of General Interest
Audio-visual contents in the interest of general public of the Republic of Kosova consist on:
Informative and political programs through which the citizen of Republic of Kosova realizes
the right to public information, independent and unbiased information regardless of ethnic,
gender, religious or political affiliation;
Programs that promote human rights aiming the development of a free and democratic
society;
Programs dedicated to children and adults with educational, cultural and entertaining
content;
Programs for persons with disabilities and specific needs;
Programs that promote cultural identity and heritage of Kosova;
Programs that promote and affirm cultural developments and artistic creations in the
Republic of Kosova;
Programs that promote the culture of public dialogue;
Programs with educational, scientific, and artistic content;
Programs dedicated to protection of environment; and
Programs that promote academic education, promotion of academic writing, linguistic
culture, and eloquence.
Main audio-visual contents will undergo the program scheme which defines:
The audio-visual type of the program, respectively, their categorization in different types;
Volume of program contents of different types;
Defining the maximum scale of broadcasting of commercial communications;
Defining of the volume of own-programs and audio-visual programs produced in the
Republic of Kosova; and
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Defining the schedule of broadcasting of program types.
Obligations on proportionality of broadcast of European origin programs are established by law.
IMC as a regulator of audio-visual media services in the Republic of Kosova, is obliged to submit
the reports on proportionality of program schemes, in particular for national broadcast network
televisions, to the Assembly of Kosova in the annual reports.
Radio Television of Kosova is obliged to dedicate at least 60% of its general program schedule to
Kosovar and European audio-visual works/creations. This quota is preferred to all Kosovar audiovisual media services but it is not obligatory. Radio Television of Kosova is obliged to dedicate at
least 20% of its general program schedule to independent producers. This quota is preferred to all
Kosovar audio-visual media services but it is not obligatory.
In the best practices of European Union, the member states ensure that audio-visual media services,
based on the request offered by media service providers, promote production and access to
European productions.
Non-profitable audio-visual media services
Community audio-visual media services are a type of service that offers a third model of
broadcasting beyond commercial broadcasting and public broadcasting. Community audio-visual
media services can serve geographic communities and communities or groups of interest. They
broadcast content that is popular and relevant to a local/specific audience but which may often be
overlooked by commercial or mass-media broadcasters. Community audio-visual media services
are operated, owned, and driven by the communities they serve. Community audio-visual media
services are non-profitable.
Non-profitable audio-visual media services, which could be established by educational institution,
students associations, association of pupils, associations of citizens and non-governmental
organizations in the capacity of legal persons, are part of the spectre of audio-visual activity in
Kosova.
This kind of media service has a wide usage in the countries of European Union and its main
purpose is to fulfil the informative vacuum for community, specialized programs of scientific,
artistic, educational content and for other specific needs of the community.
Stimulated Programs – Fund for subsidizing of program contents
IMC will establish the Fund for program quality which will be financed by license fee, donations
and other manners that will be defined later. This Fund will be open for all broadcasters and for
institutional producers or independent producers. The Fund will subsidize a spectre of different
programs. Subsidizing will be realized though a public competition for different program genres.
Best projects for subvention will be selected by a independent professional commission.
The fund will subsidize these types of program content:
Programs that stimulate development of composition/TV drama;
Documentary programs that treats social problems;
TV movies and documentary movies in the languages spoken in Kosova;
Programs that deal with educational, cultural and scientific development;
Programs that deal with cultural diversity and cultural inheritance;
Special programs for categories with special needs;
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Programs for national minorities in the Republic of Kosova;
Programs that stimulate awareness raising for equality and social rights;
Programs dedicated to children and youth; and
Itinerary Programs.
By a specific regulation, the IMC will determine criteria and the manner for realization of this
stimulation for certain programs.
Regional and local audio-visual media services
The IMC, during the switch over to digital broadcsting, will encourage local and regional audiovisual media services to create some kind of identity and program ownership, by cultivating as a
basic postulate program content which treats certain regional problems or the problems of the local
communities where they operate. For regional and local audio-visual media services is preferred to
fill at least 30% of the program scheme with educational and informative documentaries which
exclusively treat the problems of the enviroment where they operate.
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III. TECHNICAL FRAMEWORK
Technical characteristics of the elements that compose digitalization
Meetings held in the context of the drafting of this strategy have shown that all parties in Kosovo
are proposing approval to use in Kosovo:
MPEG-4 version 10 (H.264/AVC) as a standard for digital signal compression, while as possible
option is promoted the newest standard in preparation: H265 HEVC (High Efficiency Video
Coding);
DVB-T2 as a standard for radio-difussive broadcasting of digital TV signal;
SFN (Single Frequency Network), as a type of radio-diffusive network;
Contributory Network and Distribution.
The below description is presented graphically and detailed as follows:
I. Signal compression format MPEG-4 v.10 or AVC (Advanced Video Coding) is standardized by
ISO / IEC 14496-10. The use of the new standard H265 is recommended, which enables an
increase of 39% to 44% of the transportation capacity compared to H264 and provides more TV
programs within the same channel.
II. Standard DVB-T2 has many parameters, which are determined according to the type of network,
configuration, quantity of contents, the required quality etc.
III.1. IP Network Contributory, for reunification and processing of program content from TV
content providers, which transmitt encoded signal to multiplex, in TS (Transport Stream). It is
recommended to transport the signal from the content provider to the MUX by optical fiber for
better opportunities that offers regarding the quality, cost and safety.
IV.2. Head-End (Central Multiplex), to form a multiplex unique output of DVB, where the
encapsulation of all the received program contents and eventually other information (data)
according to the principle Multiple-PLP (Physical Layer Pipes - different branches of data for
different types of services) included as the final module so-called DVB-T2 Gateway, which serves
for the formation of T2-MI interface defined by the standard: ETSI TS 102 773.
Besides Multiple-PLP (in which can be entered content also from the Internet), through this module
is enabled the network work in SFN principle. Within the Head-End, the protection of program
content is also enabled from the so-called scrambling (CAS).Transport of this complete package is
done through IP Distribution Network.
V.3. IP Distributive Network to distribute the signals from the central multiplex to broadcasting
sites, is done using RTP via UDP. Distributive network must ensure the availability of 100% signal
up to broadcasting sites, using annular technique and protection 1 +1 at all levels. The IP
distributive network must support synchronization, classification and priorities in level network to
ensure the highest level of distributive service to the transmitters, which is done through the IP
Network. Service Provider of distributive network must support synchronization according to
standards of ITU G.8262 for all multiplexes. Network operators decide how to send the signal to
the transmitter respecting these criteria (mentioned above).
VI.4. Radio-diffusive Network, broadcasts digital TV signals, through transmitters placed in high
sites, to the end-user.
VII. SFN – enables that within an allotment all transmitters work synchronized and in the same
frequency, so as to end-user TV signal arrives at the same time and stage. Nowadays, this is
provided via the GPS network, but it should be noted that there are efforts that synchronization
between transmitters is done through the IP Network. Service Providers of the distributive network
must support synchronization according to standards of ITU G.8262 for all multiplexes.
Based on best practices in the implementation of the DVB-T2 in Europe, it is proposed that the
primary distribution of signals (within Contributory Network and Distribution) is done using IP
technology, namely RTP (Real-time Transmission Protocol) via UDP (User Datagram Protocol), so
that in addition to more efficient processing and exchange opportunities, even at this level to be
compatible with other technologies such as IPTV, etc..
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Standards of broadcasting and compression
The meetings held in the context of the draft of this strategy have shown that all the stakeholders in
Kosova are proposing the application of the avantages that are provided by the format MPEG-4, as
the compression technique, and DVB-T2 standard.
Compression
MPEG-2/DVB-T
MPEG-4/DVB-T
MPEG-4/DVB-T2
SD channels
4/8
8/12
14/18
HD channels
1
2/3
4/6
As it is shown above, design of MPEG-4 standard provides the most current balance between
coding efficiency, implementation complexity and cost, based on the current state of designing
technology of VLSI (CPUs, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, etc.).
This standard is recommended also by ITU (Recommendation ITU-R BT.1737), and many
countries which have started with MPEG-2, now are going through a transition to MPEG-4 because
of its technical advantage and a better quality.
Initiated by the need of those countries with highly developed broadcasting markets that
experienced a lack of DTT networks/frequency spectrum capacity, the DVB consortium issued
specifications (2009) for DVB-T2 technology as a successor of the standard DVB-T. New DVB-T2
standard offers a 30-50 % better efficiency compared to DVB-T. Due to the incompatibility with
widely used DVB-T standard, the new standard DVB-T2 is not designed to replace DVB-T in the
short to medium term. The problem is very similar to the MPEG-2/MPEG-4 incompatibility
situation resulting in a new transition period and involves market uncertainty and additional costs
for the viewers as well as for the broadcasters. For this reason, the DVB-T2 standard is expected to
coexist with DVB-T for some years. It is also worth noting that countries with developed
broadcasting markets will introduce both MPEG-4 and DVB-T2 simultaneously related to the new
content format (HDTV).
There is no doubt that DVB-T2 is a technically significantly better standard while it offers better
signal protection, is suitable for transmitting in surrounding with lots of noise and interference and
provides a higher bit rate (50Mbit/s) within the same television channel of 8MHz/7MHz. The cost
of transmission broadcasting equipment is neglibly higher, and the price of the receiving equipment
is decreasing due to the recent decision of big television markets to start broadcasting in DVB-T2.
DVB-T2/MPEG-4 receivers have been made available in selected European retail markets as of
2010. Several consumer manufacturers are currently producing and distributing such equipment
and the sales were increased significantly during last year. Receiver based on DVB-T2/MPEG-4
technology directly distributed from pay-service provider in Europe costed approximately 50-60
Euro, plus a monthly subscription approximately 7 to 20 Euro. Receivers DVB-T2/MPEG-4
supports both HD and SD picture quality and incorporates two tuners, one for DVB-T reception,
and the other for DVB-T2 reception. Some manufacturers are using chip sets where both receivers
are integrated in the same integrated circuit.
After announcements of decisions from many countries to use DVB-T2, prices dropped to
approximately 30 Euro for DVB-T2/MPEG-4 receivers. Those low cost receivers can not be used
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to display HD television channels but regarding that HD is mainly considered as a premium
service, the higher price of HD receivers (60-80 Euro) should not slow down the switchover
process. It was expected that the reduction of the price of DVB-T2 receivers will decrease for about
50% every two-three years, but the current development of DVB-T2 networks superseded
expectation of the industry.
Logical Channel Numbering (LCN)
One of the features of the DVB-T2 standard is the possibility to introduce automatic sorting of
television channels stored in each individual television set. In the multi channel environment such
as digital terrestrial television platforms the position of a specific TV channel on the user remote
control is important. Namely, the channel positioned at number 1 on the remote control will have a
higher probability to attract viewers than a channel positioned on channel 87 of the same remote
control.
The criteria to be adopted in order to assign the numbers to the channels, shall be clearly
determined in a specific regulation of the IMC. The numbering plan shall be defined on the basis of
transparency and non-discrimination, but also taking into account existing consumer habits.
Common interface
The development of digital television (on satellite frequencies, terrestrial frequencies and cable)
and, most of all, the introduction of Pay-TV and conditional access platforms, has generated a wide
number of encryption tools, aimed at enabling only the viewer identified with a specific decrypting
code to watch the desired programme.
The problem with encryption is that each service provider offering Premium content through PayTV channels may use an encryption code that differs from the others. Consequently, the consumer
who wishes to view channels available on more than one platforms, encrypted differently, might
have to buy a decoder for each encryption system. This is one of the problems that any regulator
should avoid. Consumer behaviour statistics show that when there is more than one decoder
available in the market, the consumer has more problems in choosing service providers.
In case of implementation of Pay TV services, the receivers must be equipped with “Common
Interface”, a defined standard that enables the addition of a conditional access module (CAM) in a
DTV Receiver, to adapt it to different kinds of cryptography.
The Common Interface equipment must comply with the EN 50221standard. This is a defined
standard that enables the addition of a conditional access module (CAM) in a DTV receiver to
adapt it to different kinds of cryptography. Indeed, one of Digital Video Broadcasting's main
strengths is the option of implementing the required conditional access capability on the Common
Interface.
Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and Interactive Program Guide (IPG)
Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is a continuously updated menu which provides users of
television, radio, and other media applications to navigate, select and view (or listen to) content
using a remote control, mouse, keyboard or other input device. Information on the broadcast
program or schedule is constantly updated too.
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Standards for delivery of scheduling information on television - based on IPG, vary from
application to application, and by country. In Europe, the European Telecommunications Standards
Institute (ETSI) published standard ETS 300 707 to standardize the delivery of IPG data over
digital television broadcast signals. Listings data for IPG integrated into today's digital terrestrial
television and radio receivers is typically sent within each station's MPEG transport stream, or
alongside it, in a special data stream.
The IMC should set specifications and criteria that all network operators and service providers will
have to comply with, in order to create an EPG/IPG compatible with the guides provided by other
operators/providers.
Radio frequency plan
According to the GE-06 agreement, one allotment (“Kosova”) is planned to cover the territory of
the Republic of Kosova, but the test points of the respected allotment do not correspond to the
actual borders of the country.
The results of the regional conference RRC - 06 - for the Republic of Kosova one allotment and
two assignments are planned to accommodate eight (8) SFN (Single Frequency Network) digital
terrestrial networks. One (1) frequency channel is allocated in frequency band III and seven (7)
frequency channels are in frequency band IV/V. All channels are assigned and recorded in the plan
to both transmitting sites Goles and Cvilen. The allotments are planned on the basis of the reference
planning configuration type 2 (RPC-2). This reference configuration is to be used when portable
outdoor reception or lower coverage quality portable indoor reception or mobile reception is
planned. The network is based on the reference network 1 (RN1).
Allotment name
Kosova
Channels
7, 21, 31, 44, 46, 48, 58, 67
Table 2. Planned frequencies for the allotment “Kosova”
The first problem of the GE-06 plan is that effective radiated power (ERP) of both planned
assignments is 40 dBW instead of 49,7 dBW, which corresponds to the typical power according to
the Reference Network 1 (RN1) which is used to plan the coverage of a large SFN service area.
According to this hypothetical network, seven transmitters are situated in the centre and at the
vertices of a hexagonal lattice (see Table 3).
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Table 3: Parameters of the Reference Network 1 (RN1 – Large service area)
Transmitting systems with the effective radiated power of 49,7 dBW have non-directional antenna
patterns and the service area is assumed to be 115 km in diameter. Both transmitting sites are
currently under the jurisdiction of KFOR, what makes the situation even more complex. The
existing analogue TV networks, based on 20 transmitting sites (6 national and 14 local/regional)
with appropriate infrastructure which can be used for digital broadcasting, has not been taken into
the consideration.
The second problem is the fact that about 48% of the territory of Kosova is not covered with the
proposed allotment “Kosova”. Two assignments included in the Plan provide 28% coverage of the
current allotment, but if we take into the account that the borders allotment does not comply with
the borders of the country only 16,1% of the territory of Kosova can be provided with DTT signal.
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National allotment: Kosova
Channels 7, 21, 31, 44, 46, 48, 58, 67 enable the extension in the entire territory of Kosova of
digital TV signals of the service providers (Multiplex Services) selected for this extension.
Channel 67, assigned for digital dividend, until 17 June 2015 will be used for the testing puposes.
Network type for national coverage is SFN.
For the economy purposes, reduction of ionizing radiation, more effective coverage, is
recommended to use main existing transmitting sites (assignments):
Golesh, with circular radiation diagram, horizontal polarization and with radiation power up to
100KW (UHF) and up to 25KW (VHF).
Vneshta, with the radiation diagram in three main directions and a support one, horizontal
polarization and radiation power up to 5KW (UHF) and up to 1.5KW (VHF).
Zatriq, with radiation diagram in three directions and a support one, horizontal polarization and
radiation power up to 20KW (UHF) and up to 5KW (VHF).
Cërnusha, with radiation diagram in three main directions and a support one, horizontal
polarization and radiation power up to 5KW (UHF) and up to 1.5KW (VHF).
Maja e Gjelbër, with radiation diagram in three main directions and a support one, horizontal
polarization and radiation power up to 5KW (UHF) and up to 1.5KW (VHF).
Figure 1 – Transmitting network
29
Figure 2 – Regional division
Transmitting sites presented in the figure 1, represent the primary network of broadcasters, which
are part of the first phase of planning; second phase of planning should include those parts of
Kosova, which would only partially be covered in the first phase, such as the Municipality of Sharr
with Opoja, Municipality of Kamenica, parts of the Municipality of Gjilan, Municipality of
Kacanik, northern part of Kosova, etc.. In the end, the third phase of coverage should be planned
and carried out with DVB-T2 signals with so-called “gap fillers”.
Completion of the coverage of Allotment Kosova - In order to start the process of digitalisation
of terrestrial broadcast networks in the Republic of Kosova, this modified plan should be approved
because of the advantage it provides. This strategy of digital broadcasting ensures four regional
allotments, one sub-allotment for the Capital and main allotment for digital broadcasting in the
whole territory of the Republic of Kosova (figure 2), in comparison with only one allotment as it
was planned by Geneva Conference in 2006. The reason why this modification is proposed is,
except more qualitative and quantitative coverage with digital TV signals, to become equal to the
neighbouring countries (Kosova is the only country that has ended up with only one allotment,
while comparing it to the Republic of Macedonia that has a similar coverage but with 8 allotments
together with the separate one for the capital. Albania has 11 allotments and one for the capital,
Serbia has 20 allotments and one additional for the capital, Montenegro has 3 allotments and one
additional for the capital).
Such division in allotments is done in geographical aspect, assessing that from this we can establish
a possibilities for regional broadcasting networks. The new proposed channels and those which will
be proposed after adoption of this strategy (except those approved by the ITU), are not a result of
RRC-06 and, as such, they have to be coordinated with the neighbouring countries (Albania,
Macedonia, Serbia dhe Montenegro) since the same in the Geneva plan exist as free frequencies,
leaving the possibility that each of the neighbours can use them for local/regional networks.
Overview of channels foreseen for national coverage according to the frequencies approved by the
ITU and new frequencies for regional allotments and sub-allotment:
The name of allotments
Channels
Kosova
Kosova Valley
Dukagjini Valley
Mitrovica
Anamorava
Prishtina
7, 21,31, 44, 46, 48, 58 and 67
will be coordinated
will be coordinated
will be coordinated
will be coordinated
will be coordinated
The criteria for coordination that will be used should be in line with the provisions of the GE-06
Agreement, respecting the existing entries of the GE-06 Agreement, with some modifications
which will not cause harmful interferences to neighbouring countries. An alternative to
coordination of new allotments could be the use of existing planned allotments with modification of
the coverage area to reach the actual borders of the country, using frequencies which are already a
part of the Agreement. To provide coverage for regional TV channels, frequencies in the existing
GE-06 plan can be used with reduced coverage (not to use the whole area of the existing allotments
30
for broadcasting). The digital dividend should be also taken into account so the frequencies above
790 MHz should not be used.
Modification of the assignment Cvilen is proposed to be moved to a different location (Zatriq) in
order to achieve better coverage. Interferences, levels of interferences in neighboring countries will
be lower, due to the geographical position of Zatriq and lower altitude compared with Cvilen. It
should be noted that the shift is within the permitted diameter of the ITU criteria, within 30 km in
air distance.
The existing allotment can be extended to the north to cover the rest of the country. The typical
coverage of the RPC2/RN1 network has a diameter of 115 km and the Kosova territory is a little
larger than this hypothetical coverage area, which means that the distance from the west to the east
border of Kosova is approximately 135 km and the distance between north and the south is 154 km.
This means that receiving digital terrestrial signal in portable outdoor or mobile mode will not be
possible outside the perimeter of the 135 km service area where average field strength is 78
dBµV/m. The portable outdoor mode term is used where the signal is received by portable devices
with low antenna gain. Mobile reception means to receive the signal in moving vehicles.
However, outside this area the average field strength will be high enough to offer the reception via
roof top antenna (56 dBµV/m). Considering that the roof top antennas are widely being used to
receive analogue television signals, the rest of the country will be sufficiently covered with digital
television signals as well. In case of using DVB-T2, rotated constellation provide significantly
improved robustness and offers up to 5dB gain which means that even when the average field
strength is 51 dBµV/m, the roof top antenna reception is possible.
It is worth mentioning that the size of the area of the new proposed allotment is comparable e.g.
similar to areas of the neighbouring countries. This is important in the scope of equitable access to
the frequency spectrum.
Changing the allotment size could have an effect on the co-channel allotments (neighbouring
allotments that use the same frequency) while the distance between them should be high enough not
to cause harmful interference and vice versa. In Figure 3 the existing allotment is extended towards
the north (striped area). The size is similar to other allotments in the neighbouring countries and
the distance between co-channel allotments in the Republic of Serbia should not be a problem while
the distance in the direction of Macedonia is far shorter and also agreed at the RRC-06 between
Serbia and Macedonia. The picture
displays the situation on channel 21,
whereas the situation of other channels (7,
31, 44, 46, 48, 58, 67) in the GE-06 plan
for Kosova is presented in the Appendix.
Figure 3. Expansion of the Allotment Kosova
Modification of allotment “Kosova” is
proposed with the new testing points as
displayed in the table 4. These testing
points will be used when the change of the
allotment shape will be proposed,
according to the provisions of the GE-06
Agreement.
31
Proposed modification of the
“Kosova” allotment
Longitude
Latitude
1
21°E37’30’’ 42°N15’20’’
2
21°E27’16’’ 42°N17’30’’
3
21°E21’4’’
42°N14’0’’
4
21°E17’39’’ 42°N9’22’’
5
21°E17’34’’ 42°N6’37’’
6
21°E13’47’’ 42°N6’47’’
7
21°E10’43’’ 42°N12’43’’
8
21°E5’15’’
42°N13’2’’
9
20°E46’14’’ 42°N5’16’’
10
20°E43’36’’ 41°N59’12’’
11
20°E45’4’’
41°N55’29’’
12
20°E37’8’’
41°N52’19’’
13
20°E38’27’’ 41°N57’55’’
14
20°E32’15’’ 42°N13’16’’
15
20°E20’57’’ 42°N20’28’’
16
20°E16’0’’
42°N20’19’’
17
20°E12’30’’ 42°N29’12’’
18
20°E4’16’’
42°N34’11’’
19
20°E08’30’’ 42°N40’04’’
20
20°E03’52’’ 42°N45’46’’
21
20°E13’07’’ 42°N45’43’’
22
20°E30’48’’ 42°N52’57’’
23
20°E42’30’’ 43°N06’56’’
24
20°E37’44’’ 43°N12’26’’
25
20°E48’13’’ 43°N15’55’’
26
20°E50’18’’ 43°N10’18’’
27
21°E09’37’’ 43°N00’21’’
28
21°E24’25’’ 42°N50’16’’
29
21°E23’04’’ 42°N44’59’’
30
21°E38’43’’ 42°N40’29’’
31
21°E45’36’’ 42°N41’05’’
32
21°E37’59’’ 42°N27’24’’
33
21°E30’56’’ 42°N20’31’’
Existing RRC-06 allotment
“Kosova”
Longitude
Latitude
0
21°E9’46’’
42°N49’58’’
1
21°E37’30’’ 42°N15’20’’
2
21°E27’16’’ 42°N17’30’’
3
21°E21’4’’
42°N14’0’’
4
21°E17’39’’ 42°N9’22’’
5
21°E17’34’’ 42°N6’37’’
6
21°E13’47’’ 42°N6’47’’
7
21°E10’43’’ 42°N12’43’’
8
21°E5’15’’
42°N13’2’’
9
20°E46’14’’ 42°N5’16’’
10 20°E43’36’’ 41°N59’12’’
11 20°E45’4’’
41°N55’29’’
12 20°E37’8’’
41°N52’19’’
13 20°E38’27’’ 41°N57’55’’
14 20°E32’15’’ 42°N13’16’’
15 20°E20’57’’ 42°N20’28’’
16 20°E16’0’’
42°N20’19’’
17 20°E12’30’’ 42°N29’12’’
18 20°E4’16’’
42°N34’11’’
19 20°E22’9’’
42°N33’54’’
Table 4: Proposed modification of the “Kosova” allotment
32
Figure 4 and 5: The shape of new allotment and the old and new allotment – comparison (Black-country border,
White-allotment border)
Modification of existing assignments in Kosova
In the GE-06 plan two assignments are planned to be used in Kosova. The transmitting site Golesh
is situated close to Pristina and Cviljen is a hill above Prizren. Both have maximum effective
radiated power of 40 dBW. Transmitting sites are not being used for analogue terrestrial television
network but are being used by KFOR. An alternative location for Golesh Peak would be very
difficult to find, but the assignment of Cviljen can be modified to an existing analogue transmitting
site in Zatriq. The location of Zatriq is positioned 32 km north of Cviljen and is closer to the centre
of the country. The new transmitting site has a lower altitude but provides better coverage of the
Kosova territory.
Modification of the assignment Cviljen to Zatriq does not increase interferences to the co-channels
with neighbouring countries.
Regarding the effective radiated power, both transmitting sites may use the power of 49,7 dBW, as
this power corresponds to the hypothetical reference network model RN1. The power of 49,7 dBW
is ten times higher than the power of 40 dBW. In Watts it means that instead of 10.000 W, the
effective radiated power of the proposed modification would be 93.325 W.
Name
of
Longitude
transmitting site
Golesh
20.5859
Cvilen
20.4454
Zatriq
20.37315
Latitude
Altitude
Recorded
42.3407
42.1020
1019 m
1380m
42.26793
1036m
GE-06
GE-06
Mod. of CvilenZatriq
Table 5: Proposed modification of assignment Cvilen
33
The simulation of propagation of modified assignment displays that the impact on the neighbouring countries
has not changed. See Figure 5.
Figure 6: Calculation of modified coverage (Cvilen–left, Zatriq-right). Cvilen: 49,7 dBW (56 dBµV/m for fixed
reception), Zatriq: 40 dBW (56 dBµV/m for fixed reception, 78 dBµV/m for portable, mobile reception)
Spectrum issues in accessing the benefits of the digital dividend
Since the digital dividend must be used by wireless broadband services, all over the world (or at
least all over the region), frequency harmonization is a required condition. Such harmonization
would create enormous benefits in terms of social impact and increased productivity. In particular,
mobile operators and equipment manufacturers would be able to address a large market, raising
their economies and reducing high costs for tele-communication technologies.
Before the digital transmitters are put into operation on these channels, the analysis of harmful
interferences should be done, which are possible with the operation of analogue channels in the
neighbouring countries. Until 2015, analog plan GE-06A and digital plan GE-06D should be
respected. The use of a digital channel which is still in use for analogue television should be agreed
with neighbouring countries.
Analysis of potential harmful interference should be investigated for each potential channel, based
on data of the GE-06A and GE-06D plan.
Digital Radio Service T-DAB
According to GE-06, digital radio service T-DAB, the entire territory of Kosova is designated in
one allotment, and test points determined the borders of this zone, so dimensions of allotment are
identical to the dimensions of allotemnts for digital TV services DVB-T in frequency bands VHF
and UHF.
34
For radio service T-DAB are reserved 2 blocks (11B and 12D) in the VHF band.
Technical characteristics of the allotment and assignment according to the GE-06 are:
Allotment name
Reference Network
Type of recipiency
Reserved channels
Frequency band
Channel Width
:Cvilen
: RN5
: RPC4
: 11B and 12D
: 216 - 230 MHz
: 1.75 MH
For T-DAB, are defined two reference planning configurations (RPC), RPC 4 for cases of mobile
receipt and RPC 5 for portable internal receipt, as in the table below.
Reference
planning
RPC 4
configurations
Probability
of
99%
establishment
Reference C/N (dB)
15
Reference
(Emed)ref
(dB(µV/m)) at fr = 60
200 MHz
RPC 5
95%
15
66
(Emed)ref: Reference value for the average minimum of field intensity
RPC 4: RPC for mobile receipt
RPC 5: RPC portable internal receipt
Implementation of T-DAB service largely depends on the dynamics of the transition process,
especially when it comes to switching off analogue transmitters, which broadcast television
programs in VHF band. In Kosova, frequency band TV/VHF is used for broadcast of the RTK
television programs. Taking this into consideration, the beginning of the implementation of the TDAB is going to happen in the later stages of the transition process, with the creation of the
conditions for switching-off the analogues transmitters that broadcast television signal in the
TV/VHF band (ASO).
After the period of switch off analog TV transmitters (ASO), a new strategy is planned to be
drafted, with regard to digital audio terrestrial broadcasting services.
In European countries, the implementation of T-DAB service, so far has been limited. The main
reason for the stagnation of the implementation of T-DAB service refers to the relatively high cost
recipients (receivers), even in countries that have carried out almost entirely the transition from
35
analogue to digital broadcasting, by which are created the conditions for release of a part of the
frequency band in VHF from analog TV broadcasters.
According to the experiences of European countries, the transition to digital broadcasting of the
audio signal in T-DAB standard is foreseen for 2017. Therefore, taking into account technological
developments, the review the effectiveness of the proposed standard, respectively proposed
advanced standards for digital audio terrestrial broadcasting services should be done before 2015.
Digital Dividend
The transition from analogue to digital broadcasting of television programs will provide for the
broadcasting a considerably larger number of television programs within an existing television
channel, both in standard (SDTV) and high definition (HDTV), enabling the release of a large
number of television channels.
The strategy for the transition from analogue to digital television broadcasts foresees for the
broadcasting of television programs using the currently most efficient standard (DVB-T2), and in
this manner it provides a large number of programs within a single frequency channel. On the other
hand, the compression standard for video and audio signals, within a single television program
(MPEG-4 v.10), will efficiently reduce the bandwidth required to broadcast a single television
program. The choice of using the latest technology, as well as the network architecture for the
distribution of television programs in the Republic of Kosova, efficiently provides for the
utilization of the radio frequency spectrum, thereby maximizing the digital dividend.
Relying on study results from European Union countries, as well as the results of the World Radio
Conference (WRC-07), Strategy defines the digital dividend. The Strategy foresees for the radiofrequency range corresponding to the television channels within the 61-69 UHF range (790-862
MHz) to be used not for television broadcasts, but for wireless broadband services. The EU
likewise adopted recommendation EU C(2009) 8287 of 20 October 2009 (Facilitating the release
of the digital dividend in the European Union) regulating the use of this range, better known as
800MHz, i.e. “Dividend 1”. The European Parliament, in addition to the 800MHz range, also
proposes the designation of channels from the 700MHz range to be set aside as “Digital Dividend
2”, also for the development of broadband services. The International Telecommunications Union
(ITU), as well as the European Union, set the goal for the development of broadband systems,
networks and services by 2020. The European Union adopted the Digital Agenda 2020.
These goals indicate that it is necessary to set aside the largest possible segment of the radiofrequency spectrum as the digital dividend and assign it to mobile broadband systems. The estimate
of the total digital dividend capacity in the Republic of Kosova must take into account the number
of required television channels in standard resolution and high definition resolution during the
period after the transition to digital broadcasting. Parties responsible for managing the spectrum
shall define the size of the digital dividend.
36
The Strategy incorporates the issue of the digital dividend and takes into account the existing EU
acquis2. Particularly, chapter 4 omits the strategic importance of the effective use of the digital
dividend, which is closely linked to an efficient spectrum management – a key to the Europe
2020 and DAE objective for sustainable and inclusive growth. This is particularly important to
boost roll-out of and access to broadband/fast internet.
The Broadband Transmitting Communication of September 2010 (COM 2010 472) states that:
"The Radio Radio Spectrum Policy Programme proposed by the Commission would ensure that
part of the digital dividend – the radio frequencies released by the transition from analogue to
digital broadcasting – reserved for the use by wireless broadband technologies”.
This is particularly important because wireless broadband can bring high-speed connection to
people in remote areas, or others, where it is not economically viable to install a fixed line. The
Commission is asking Member States to step up a gear by issuing quickly licenses to operators to
use spectrum bands which have already been technically harmonized at EU level for the use of
wireless broadband and to open up the 800 MHz band to wireless broadband by 2013”.
7. THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION
(DTT) IN KOSOVA
DTT in Kosova shall go on two phases. The first phase is the transition period which will start in
2013 and the second phase is after the ASO period which will happen in June 2015.
Transition period
This is the period of simulcasting of analogue and digital television broadcasting. The transition
period has two major characteristics:
First characteristic- TV channels using the analogue spectrum should migrate to the digital
networks due to the decision of the country to switch off analogue terrestrial television networks.
Regarding those channels that are holding the licence for analogue terrestrial broadcasting they are
Relevant EU legislation in this respect:
Framework Directive (Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7
March 2002 on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and
services),
Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on reviewing the
interoperability of digital interactive television services pursuant to Communication COM(2004)
541,
Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European
Economic and Social committee and the Committee of the Regions on accelerating the transition
from analogue to digital broadcasting COM(2005) 204 final.
2
37
considered as “historical” channels therefore the new selection procedure is not needed as they
have to move to the new platform because of the technology changes. Instead of a selection
procedure a simple notification process is needed to convert the analogue licence into the licence
for digital distribution of the programme.
The second characteristic - is the low capacity of DTT networks, as all analogue transmitters are
still in use, and therefore very few frequencies are available for the new digital networks.
Frequency is a national resource and will be given in concession in accordance with a reasonable
fee which will be determined by the Government and the IMC, while the annual fee will be
determined by the IMC with a specific regulation.
After the adoption of the Strategy and the Law on Digitalisation, the transition period in Kosova
will start with 5 channels (multiplexes); two of which will be given through a public competition
and three (3) will be given to actual national broadcasters. On disposal will be also channel 67
which can be used until 17 June 2015.
Three (3) historic national channels, public broadcasters and two (2) commercial channels licensed
by IMC, have the right that frequency resources at their use, to use them for building digital
terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure SFN according to the ITU standards for parameters of
Reference Network RN1, respectively one frequency for each television.
90 days after the adoption of this strategy, national TV stations are obliged to submit to IMC a
dynamic and business plan for the implementation of digitization. Full implementation of the plan
in the terrain must be completed no later than April 2015.
Sub-Allotments
To supplement the needs of the population in the regions, based on Chapter 4 of the Final
Agreement Geneva 2006, IMC will make coordination with neighboring countries to ensure
channels without interference.
Coordination will be made in regional areas, division of which was based on the following criteria:
- Geographic
- Demographic
- Economic
- Maximal potential reduction of ionizing radiation concentrating on transmitting points.
IMC will determine the frequencies needed for the division of sub-allotments. Groupings of
existing historical regional-local channels will be licensed in consortia of relevant sub-allotment.
90 days after the adoption of this strategy, local/regional TV stations are obliged to submit to IMC
a dynamic and business plan for the implementation of digitization. Full implementation of the plan
in the terrain must be completed no later than April 2015.
38
With the standards proposed to be used for DTT networks (MPEG-4, DVB-T2) one multiplex can
accommodate from 14 to 18 SD channels or from 4 to 6 HD channels.
Based on Article 141 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kosova and Article 3 of Law No. 04/L44 on the Independent Media Commission, the IMC shall prepare the criteria and competition
documentation for licensing of network and multiplex service and content providers, within the
timeframe determined on an action plan following the adoption of the strategy. The documentation
shall be prepared in cooperation with the Regulatory Authority of Electronic and Postal
Communications (ARKEP).
Analogue Broadcasting Switch-Off period (ASO)
This is the period when the frequency spectrum is released by switching off all analogue
transmitters. Open competition for new multiplex services and new channels should be published
giving the IMC the possibility to select the qualified operators and new content, balanced and
attractive, for the DTT platform.
After 2015, two (2) other channels for new services of network and multiplex will be released. In
this case, the IMC will announce new competition for licensing of new operators based on RRCGE06. Channel 67 will be released and can be used as soon as possible for “wireless broadband”
services.
8. LICENSING OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TELEVISIONS (DTT)
Multiplex Services as Service Providers should be selected by a public competition process. The
selection process shall be based on a public competition in which case shall be required from the
interested parties to fulfill qualifying criteria. All bidders who meets the terms can take part in the
competition process where the frequency will be given with concession to the economic operator
who fullfills all criteria determined by the IMC.
In DTT, the competition processes are normally based on the criteria published in the competition
documentation, where the multiplex service is selected depending on most favorable financial offer
and specific criteria defined by the IMC.
Specific criteria defined by the IMC are:
-Participation requirements (type of company, ownership structure, experience and so on);
-Criteria for the evaluation of the application: (for example applicant experience, financial aspects financial situation or credibility of the business plans, technical aspects - technical quality of the
project, technical experience of candidates, technical plan for the network establishment, adoption
of technologically innovative solutions);
-Obligations of the rights holder to use frequencies (coverage obligations in terms of population to
be covered for a certain period).
39
Considerations during competition
There are two main approaches to license the DTT multiplex service and content providers. One is
issuance of licence for content of multiplex service in a separate competition process, whereas the
second approach is to license content providers and multiplex service in a single competition
procedure.
According to the experiences in countries which already implemented DTT, the second approach is
more efficient. The main problem of the separate competition processes is that the procedure does
not involve the agreements between Multiplex Services and content providers.
In practice it happened that content providers tried to dispute the price of the multiplex service,
which can not be the case when the contracts for multiplex/content are agreed by parties during the
competition tender process.
For this reason, the competition procedure should define:
-Technical requirements for providing the DTT service;
-Geographical areas (allotments) to be covered;
-Frequency channels for each allotment which should be based on the SFN network;
-Minimum signal field strength ensuring the reliable reception;
-Standards for picture and sound coding; and
-Minimum bit-rate of network and multiplex capacity.
Technical parameters defining the capacity of the DTT network are modulation and code rate of
convolution coding. The higher modulation (265-QAM) and lower code rate ratio (5/6) gives the
highest capacity of the multiplex. This capacity can vary by choosing different guard intervals
which depend on the physical design such as distances between transmitters of the SFN network
and potential self interference areas due to the geographical/propagation situation. The guard
interval is best decided by the multiplex service.
Considering the parameters of the DTT multiplex the safe way is to define the minimum bit rate of
multiplex capacity and to leave the decision on the rest of the technical parameters to the multiplex
service itself. The minimum capacity of the multiplex service should be at least 35 Mbit/s.
Minimum coverage requirements and the dynamics for the establishment of
multiplex service
Multiplex service should comply with the requirements of the competition regarding the dynamics
of the coverage of the DTT network in order to meet the planned switch off date when the digital
network should reach the same coverage as analogue networks. This is important as the viewers
should be able to receive the digital television signal after ASO.
The result of the competition is the licence for allotment granting the use of the frequency for
multiplex on a particular territory (allotment) without specific data of single transmitters in the
network, which are defined (in the addition to the allotment) for particular transmitting site
(assignment) with the parameters such as:
40
Location of the transmitter with the geographical coordinates and altitude (above above sea level);
Effective radiated power of the transmitter; and
Antenna type and the radiation pattern, gain and elevation angle, polarisation and the direction of
the main radius.
41
IV. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION
Financial cost for transition to digital broadcasting
Realization of the national strategy for digital broadcasting requires a special financial cost.
The State must ensure that the population has access to television programs for families who can
not bear the costs required, respectively subsidies for families of social assistance category should
be planned. According to the Statistics Agency of Kosova, at the end of 2012 is estimated to be
31111 families who benefit from social schemes. For subsidy of this category, respectively for
ensuring STB for them the amount that should be invested reaches the amount of 1,088,885.00
Euro (calculating the value of one STB, MPEG4 DVB-T2 of 35 Euro). However, in addition to this
category are also some other beneficiaries who should be subsidized.
Great assistance in securing funds for digitization, for EU member countries and those who claim
to join the EU, was given also by the European Commission. Substantial incomes can be realized
also by private investors or concessioners.
Relying on political reality in Kosova access to important international mechanisms, it results that
the realization of digitization process completely will depend on our possibilities.
Financial impact on broadcasters
In order to determine what would be the right cost of access to the networks, the first step should be
an accurate cost estimation of each element composing the digital network. The elements3 that
build up a digital network, typically, are:
IP Contributive Network;
Multiplex - Head-End;
Distributive Network; and
Radio-Diffusive Network.
Operating costs (electricity, maintenance, personnel, etc.)
Networks are in reality 30-40% more expensive compared to analog ones, but due to the fact that
the same digital network is used by more than one TV channel, the price per channel is lower than
in analogue.
Public Television (RTK)
Public broadcasters in the EU countries have played an important role during the transition to
digital broadcasting. Many states have provided various forms of financial support to public
broadcasters to successfully switch from analogue to digital. Besides the cost of subsidies, the cost
for digitalization of public broadcaster should also be considered in order to enable citizens of
Kosova have access to programs of public interest. On the Law on Digitalization, for RTK is set to
have a Multiplex in which will be accomodated only programs which itself produces. The
Assembly of the Republic of Kosova, as the founder of Radio Television of Kosova, should ensure
3
Their definitions are given at the technical part
the necessary financial support to the RTK, which has the legal obligation of coverage of all the
territory of Kosova.
Commercial TV stations
All television stations will be faced with additional costs during the digitalisation process,
particularly during simulcasting period, when both the analog and digital networks are in operation.
However, the financing of the analog networks during the simulcasting period for those TV
channels broadcasting also in digital network is a viable option. The burden of double network
costs should be shared between broadcasters while long-term double operation (analog and digital)
is actually not in the interest of the broadcasters. To reduce the costs of the transition period the fast
transition period in preferable.
Financial impact for viewers
Consumer protection is an important aspect during the transition to digital broadcasting. Consumers
should be protected from spending on inadequate television apparatus while at the same time
market competition must be preserved. It is therefore very important to define the technical
specifications and standards of equipment needed by households.
Technical solution provided in strategy implies high cost of purchasing digital signal receiving
devices (Set-top-box), which should be subsidized by the Government.
The promotional campaign for the digitization process should contribute to consumer protection.
During the campaign, the consumer must be informed about the process and modalities of any
subsidies.
Funding Models / The role of state institutions
Regarding the role of the state and acceptable forms of public support, there are different European
best practices.
Subsidies for vulnerable groups of citizens
Best practices and European experiences shows that the best option is the subsidizing of the
purchase of the receivers (Set-top-box). Subsidy schemes should encourage all households to buy a
DVB-T receiver in order to minimise the transition period and thus reduce the overall costs of the
analog to digital switchover process.
Experiences in the region shows that subsidies have been used in the following ways:
-The provision on DVB-T receivers or
-Subsidizing a portion of the price of the DVB-T receiver in the form of coupons.
The following are some examples of subsidies in the EU:
Country
Austria
Czech
Republic
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Description
The Austrian government established a digitization fund of 6,75 million EUR.
DVB-T Network is commercial and not subsidized by the state.
Czech government funding for conversion to digital terrestrial television was direct
as well as indirect. Government funded: Information campaign and market
monitoring, reimbursed partial costs of the hardware for some broadcasters with the
help of European grants.
Italy
Germany
Croatia
Slovenia
110 million EUR was spent from the state budget to help households buying a
digital receiver (Set-up box) of the amount of 50 to 70 EUR.
The primary objective was to strengthen the digital terrestrial broadcasting. The
transition was successful because the period of parallel transmission (simulcasting)
was short (10 months) also due to the successful awareness and information
campaign.
Government subsidy scheme for vulnerable families.
Subsidies of the cost of the analogue networks in the simulcasting in transition
period (broadcasters), government has paid for the DVB-T receivers for the low
income families.
The Government of Kosova should establish a working group to develop a plan for subsidies for
the vulnerable categories of households. The subsidy scheme should take into the account the best
practices in the EU.
According to data from MPMS (Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare) in 2011:
- 31.111 kosovar families with 132.626 members are currently involved in the social scheme. The
number of households has changed from year to year due to adoption of new laws, strengthening
internal control of MPMS, adoption of new criteria and application of new legal acts. Social aid is
in the process of reduction in the past two years.
- In Kosovo there are 113.043 pensioners and 34.722 pensioners based on individual savings.
MPMS does not have information on pensioners living alone, without support from other family
members. MPMS suggests that this category is not included in the subsidy scheme.
- 13.232 families of martyrs are receiving assistance from the scheme. These families are divided
into 11 categories. MPMS suggests that all these families are included in the subsidy scheme for
digitalization.
- In Kosovo there are 2.600 families (17.531 pensioners-persons with disabilities) who are caring
for children with disabilities. MPMS suggests that all these families are included in the subsidy
scheme for digitalization.
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V. INFORMATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
An awareness campaign of the citizens of the Republic of Kosova is very important in the process
of transition from analogue to digital. The citizens should be aware of the changes in the reception
of television programmes, about the important dates (date of switch off analog broadcasting) and
where and how to buy the necessary approved reception equipment (receivers).
For this purpose, the IMC continuously informs about activities throughout the process of
digitization and raise awareness of the opinion and competent bodies, on the changes that will
occur during the digitization process, so that the process be accomplished within the time planned.
In line with the strategic development plan and action plan, the IMC has designed its activities,
tasks, dynamics of their performance, stages and directions of development of its strategic plan to
ensure effective transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
IMC will coordinate informative activities with the Government, relevant ministries, other
institutions and civil society. For the information and awareness campaign of the public, along with
the commitment of local and international experts, the IMC will contribute to the realization of the
planned tasks:
Identification of individuals and groups of interest who need to be engaged in activities of
information campaign and public awareness;
Proposal of idea-concepts for television and radio spots, billboards and printed informative
materials;
Conception of debates, round tables, meetings and interviews with various structures of society,
through the media and direct meetings with the public;
Supervision and reporting on the effects of public communication during implementation of the
digitization process;
Arranging special meetings of the IMC with media representatives;
Realization of specific programs, with members of the Independent Media Commission, media
representatives, experts of digital technology and other parties in this process;
Notification of local and international mechanisms, in particular the International
Telecommunication Union - ITU, regarding unfavorable situation of Kosova in digital frequency
plan, which was negotiated by the administration of Serbia, and which plan leaves 48% of the area
of Kosova outside the coverage;
Realization of thematic visits in different environments, bodies, institutions, neighborhoods,
municipalities, districts to explain the importance and benefits of digital broadcasting;
Placement of billboards, materials and distinctive signs of digitalization, presentation of audiovisual spots and sponsorship of cultural and sports activities on the importance of digital
broadcasting;
Opening of call centers during the switch-off of analogue signal to provide practical information in
order to help citizens regarding the problems of technical nature;
Providing of the information on how can be equiped with the receipt device (receiver);
Providing the necessary information on digitalization through the official website of the IMC and
social networks as well.
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9. ACTION PLAN FOR REALIZATION OF THE STRATEGY ON DIGITAL
BROADCASTING
IMC
Finalization and adoption of the strategy by the IMC / September 2012
GOVERNMENT
Adoption of the strategy prepared by IMC – last quarter of 2013
ASSEMBLY
Adoption of the Law on Digitalization drafted under the patronage of the Ministry
of Economic Development (MED) / last quarter of 2013 (after the adoption by the Government of
the strategy prepared by the IMC)
IMC
Amendment of IMC existing bylaws – last quarter of 2012
1. IMC Regulation of Cable Distribution of Radio and Television Programs in Kosova adopted in
2007 will be amended in a new Regulation for the Distribution of Audio-Visual Media Services and
Radio Media Services through Network Operators.
2. Regulation on the Level and Manner of the Payment of the License Fee
IMC
Adoption of the new IMC regulations for the new audio-visual media service –
Adoption of the Regulation for the Categorization of Broadcasters (division on regional and
local) – last quarter of 2013
Adoption of the Regulation on Determination of criteria on the program content in a
Multiplex – first quarter of 2014
Regulation for the realization of stimulated programs (first quarter of 2014)
Adoption of the Regulation on Logical Channel Numbering (LCN) – first quarter of 2014
Adoption of the Regulation on Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and Interactive Program
Guide (IPG) – first quarter of 2014
Adoption of Documentation Package for DTT licensing (Digital Terrestrial Television) –
second quarter of 2014
IMC – Awareness campaign of the public for the process of digitalization
Information is a process which will occur continuously until the switch-off the analogue
system and it will be implemented in phases:
1. Before the adoption of the strategy (to provide necessary information and also to ensure
data to enable fulfillment of the action plan of the IMC)
2. After the adoption of the strategy by the Government (to make public information how
is decided to realize the Digitalization in the Republic of Kosova)
3. During the transition stage (to facilitate the process for the population of Kosova to start
having access to available digital signals)
4. Before the stage of switch-off analogue broadcasting (to ensure that the population of
Kosova is not left without access to television signals)
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IMC
Beginning of transition period – 2014
Analogue switch off (ASO) is determined to be not later than 17 June 2015
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APPENDIX A - List of abbreviations
ASO - Analogue Switch-Off. Switching off of the transmitters for analogue terrestrial broadcasting;
DVB-T - Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial. A DVB standard for transmission and
broadcasting of digital television signal over a terrestrial network of transmitters;
DVB–T2 - The next generation of DVB–T standard;
EPG - Electronic Program Guide. Electronic program guide is an application (including service
content) that enables direct access to broadcasting and additional contents (for example, teletext
with additional contents);
IPG – Interactive Program Guide;
GE06 - an international radio frequency allocation plan for the needs of digital
terrestrialtransmission of radio and television programs, adopted at RRC06 in Geneva in 2006.
According to this plan, the switchover to digital terrestrial broadcasting in VHF band III and in
UHF bandwidths IV and V was stipulated.
H.264 AVC - H.264 Advanced Video Coding. An ITU-Т recommendation that defines the
improved video coding standard, which is identical to the MPEG-4 v10 standard;
HDTV - High Definition Television. A television standard with high resolution of video and
audiosignals;
ITU - International Telecommunication Union;
MPEG - Moving Picture Expert Group;
RRC06 - A Regional Radiocommunication Conference held in Geneva in 2006;
SDTV - Standard Definition Television. Digital television transmission with standard resolution
ofvideo and audio signal, with 4: 3 picture aspect ratio, with 625 (Europe) lines;
SFN - Single Frequency Network. A broadcast network where all transmitters simultaneously
sendthe same signal over the same frequency channel;
STB - Set Top Box. An external digital television receiver connected to the analogue television
through SCART or HDMI connector to display digital television programme on analogue television
set;
UHF - Ultra High Frequency. Frequency spectrum from 300MHz to 3GHz;
VHF - Very High Frequency. Frequency spectrum from 30MHz to 300MHz.
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APPENDIX B - Co-channels allotments in the region (7, 31, 44, 46, 48, 58, 67)
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