AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
IS YOUR COUNTRY
PREPARED TO SWITCH-ON
THE DIGITAL TERESTRIAL
TELEVISION?
June 17, 2015
May, 2012
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Background
In Regional Radio Communication Conference-2006 (RRC-06), the region 1, where Africa
belongs, planned the spectrum for digital broadcasting in the frequency bands 174-230 (VHF
band) MHz and 470-862 (UHF band) MHz of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service. It has
also been decided that the completion date for the transition from analogue to digital
broadcasting would be the 17 June 2015 in UHF band and June 17, 2020 for some
countries1in the VHF band.
In line with the above agreement ,The African Union Ministers in charge of Communication
and Information Technologies in their Abuja 2010 declaration, [AU/CITMC-3/Min/Decl. (III)]
adopted at their third Conference (CITMC-3), committed themselves to promote the transition
from Analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting with the mission, among others,
to oversee the national strategy and to coordinate the transition at regional and continental
levels to meet the deadline set at Regional Radio Communication Conference - RRC-06.
Bearing in mind the importance of the transition to the digital broadcasting in the building the
information society in the continent and the successful progress on the implementation of
digital broadcasting in many countries around the world, the African Union Commission (AUC)
initiated a project for accelerating the transition process during the upcoming three-years
period.
This survey questionnaire is part of this project aiming primary at assessing the current status
of the transition to the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting in the African Union Member
States
This survey questionnaire has three parts. The first part intended to collect information
regarding the current status of the member states on the transition process. The second part
collects information related in UHF digital dividend plan and the third and the final part collects
information regarding the challenges encountered during the process.
1
Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire , Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt ,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon , Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia , Mali , Morocco , Madagascar, Mauritania , Niger,
Nigeria , Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somali Democratic Republic, Sudan , Togo , Tunisia
2
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
You are kindly requested to feel this questionnaire and return it back to the AUC, preferably
before 30th of June, 2012 by email: mihretw@africa-union.org or annaa@africa-union.org ,
Fax: 251-115-517844/518718 or with the following postal address
Department of Infrastructure and Energy (IED)
Information Society Division (ISD)
AU Headquarters
Roosevelt Street
P.O.Box 3243
W 22, K19
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Thank you very much for your valuable cooperation and contribution.
For any further enquiry please contact Mrs. Mihret Woodmatas, email:mihretw@africaunion.org , telephone: 251-115-182445 or Ms Anna Abebe, email: AnnaA@africa-union.org
telephone 011518244
3
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Please identify a focal point in your administration/organisation that could provide a response
to further correspondence regarding this questionnaire
1. Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms
________________
Family Name
2. Position
_____________________
First Name
_______________________________________________________
3. Country ___________________________________________________________
4. Name of the Administration/organization
________________________________
5. Postal Address ______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
6. Tel.:____________________
Fax: _____ __________________
E-Mail ____________________________________________________
4
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Part 1: Current Status of the activities of the Member State towards the
transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting
This part aims at assessing the current activity of member status towards the transition and,
collecting relevant information to lay down strategic common approach to assist the Member
State to accelerate the transition and to promote knowledge and experience sharing with in
the continent.
Q 1.1 How many public/private analogue television channels are available in your Country?
Type
Name of the channel
Name of public Name
of
broadcaster
broadcaster
private No of Households
(Subscribers
/
Customers)
Terrestrial
Cable
Satellite
Q 1.2 Is there any initiative to introduce digital terrestrial television broadcasting in your
country?
Q1.3 If your answer is Yes to Q.2, which institution (government or regulatory body) would take
overall initiative and responsibility for the introduction of DTTB in your country?
Responsible Institution
Contact Address (email address, Telephone…)
Email address :
Tele No:
Fax:
P. Box
5
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Q1.4. Has a formal National Roadmap Team/ working group been established already?
Focal Person
Name
Contact Address
Email address :
Tele No:
Fax:
P. Box
Q1.5. does the responsible institution / working group has put plans to introduce DTTB?
(Please indicate ONE of the following)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Has not started developing the plans at this moment
Currently developing a plan for the introduction of DTTB
Finalizing a plan for the introduction of DTTB
Pilot stage
Simulcasting ( dual casting) phase
Completed the process
Other (Please describe)
Q1.6. if in question 1.5 you have selected option 1, has the government or regulator identified a
year when it will start the process of introducing digital broadcasting?
Yes - please indicate the date
No - please explain why your country has no
current plans for introducing digital broadcasting
please also describe the problem. What are the
limiting factors
Q1.7. Has the government or regulator published a DTTB strategy document?
No
Yes: please indicate the web link to access the document or attach the document with
the reply to the survey questionnaire
6
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Q1.8. In addition to complying with the RRC-06, which of the following requirements does the
government or regulator intends to provide in your country? (Please indicate ALL relevant
requirements)
1
Provide additional program channels
2
Enhance local content production
3
Provide Better picture quality
4
5
6
7
Extend the existing coverage of services in terms of population or territory
Introduce new services like data casting and Interactive services
Increase the broadcast license revenue from new broadcasters
To free some spectrum (digital dividend). Use the digital dividend
to introduce other radio communication services
To avoid damping of analogue television transmission equipment
Other (please describe)
8
9
Q1.9. Has the government or regulator published a date for the complete switch-off of the
analogue terrestrial service?
Yes: No
Yes: please indicate the date
Q1.10 Has your government, regulator or broadcasters analyzed the cost of introducing digital
TV services, including the costs to the viewers?
No
Yes: Please indicate the cost in USD or Euros
7
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Q1.11 Has the government indicated how the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting will
be funded?
No
Yes (If yes, please indicate which of the following approaches apply):
1
2
3
4
5
6
Government to fully fund the process for the state broadcasters only
Government to partially fund the process for state broadcasters only
(please indicate the state contribution in % of the total costs )
Broadcasters expected to fund the process from their own
income or resources
Fund from Sale of new broadcasting license
Fund from Sale from part of the digital dividend to new services
Other (please specify)
Q1.12 which standard has been adopted by your country for the digital terrestrial television
broadcasting?
DVB-T
DVB-T2
ISDB-T
ATSC
DTMB
Q1.13 How many nationwide multiplexes are planned to be rolled-out in your country?
No of Multiplex
Starting Phase
Final Phase
Q1.14 Has the government/regulator set a specification for the Set-Top-Box?
No
Yes: please indicate the web link to access the document or attach it
Q1.15 Has the government/regulator know the manufacturing price of the set-op-box?
No
Yes: please indicate the web link to access the document or attach it
8
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Q1.16 Has the government/regulator involved in the distribution and installation of set-top-box
including in setting the retail price?
No
Yes: please attach the plan and proposed retail price of the set-of-box
Q1.17 Has the government or regulator indicated whether they will subsidize the set-top-box
price to the viewer’s?
No
Yes: please state the approach you country want to apply for the subsidy
Q1.18 Has the government or regulator put a regulation on the importation of analogue only
television receiver/on the digital tuner inside the digital TV?
No
Yes: please state the regulation or attach the document
9
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Q1.19 Does the public have sufficient information on the analogue switch-off date and the
distribution of Set-Top-box?
No
Yes. Please indicate the mechanism used to create public awareness
Q1.20 if currently the digital terrestrial service is on air, can you indicate the type of coverage
it provides?
 Only Metropolitan area are covered
 The major cities are covered
 Large part of the country are covered
 Other (please specify)
Q1.21 - How many households receive their digital TV programs via terrestrial, cable, satellite
and IPTV? Please specify in the table below
Type
No of
channel
program Name of public Name
of
broadcaster
broadcaster
private No of Households
Terrestrial
Cable
Satellite
IPTV
10
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Part 2 – UHF Spectrum Plan
The second part aims at collecting information on the national UHF spectrum plan including
the digital dividend. The digital dividend at the UHF band is very precious national resource
that can potentially contribute to the progress for the Africa if it is timely coordinated and
harmonized at sub-regional, regional and international level.
As a continent targeting regional and economical integration, Africa must also have its own
common proposal on the use of the digital dividend that reflects the interest and requirement
of all member states, notably maximizing the efficient use and ensuring economies of scale
and interoperability of systems at the continent. Therefore, it is the very critical time for
member states to consider how to most efficiently use the UHF band including the digital
dividend.
2.1 Please indicate the current allocation of the UHF bands (470 – 862 MHz) in your country
( it would be more preferable if you can attach the plan )
Analogue
television Digital
Television Other services
broadcasting
services
broadcasting service
Channel
sites)
No
(
all
2.2 In addition to the recommendation given by the ITU/ATU have you done any consultation
or research on how best to use the UHF band at your country?
No
Yes: please attach or provide the link to access the document
2.3 What percentage of spectrum do you foresee being used for digital television as compared
to current analogue television in your country?
11
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
2.4 Have you identified the digital dividend spectrum that will be freed up after the analogue
terrestrial television switch-off?
No
Yes, please indicate the specific frequencies
2.5 In WRC-07, channel 61-69 i.e. UHF sub band 790 – 862 MHz is proposed for IMT
services.
Does your country have any reservation in allocating the sub band?
No
Yes, please describe your reservation
2.6 In WRC-12, some Africa and Arab countries proposed to broaden the UHF sub band to
694-862
(channel 49 – 69) MHz for development of additional services on primary
bases.
Have you started analyzing /researching the proposal in terms of socio economic aspect
and its future implications in addition to the frequency coordination?
No
Yes, please indicate the link to access the document/attach
12
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
2.7 Which type of new services do you thought to be launched on the digital dividend?
Services
Proposed spectrum
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadcast
Mobile TV
Additional broadcasting
New innovation services
Public protection
Disaster relief
For research and experiment
Others ( please specify )
2.8 What approach do you plan to use for the licensing of the sub band of the UHF spectrum?
beauty contest
direct award
auction
Other
2.9 Is there any proposal/research done on the use of TV white space at your country?
No
Yes: please attach the proposal/ state in brief
13
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Part 3: Challenges and Support
Q3.1 if your government or regulator has already started to introduce digital terrestrial
broadcasting, what are the main challenges that have been encountered?
Challenges
Delay in political decision
Lack of Technical capacity
Spectrum planning and coordination with neighbors
countries
Funding the transition
Setting the digital transmission standard
Lack of local content both in quality and quantity
rolling out the network
Lack of viewer awareness
Setting Set-top-box specification
Set-top-box manufacturing/ distribution
Compatibility of Set-top-boxes
Coordination of the whole transition process
Competition with satellite/cable /IPTV service
Digital archiving
Other ( please state)
Q3.2 Please explain the challenges in detail and state any measures overcome the challenge
14
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!
Questionnaire for the assessment of the status of the transition from
analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Africa
Q3.3 if assistance is given to your country, in which area do you need to be assisted, please
select the appropriate area
Capacity building for decision makers
Capacity building for technical experts
DTTB planning
DTTB standard selection
Spectrum planning and coordination
Setting specification for the Set-top-box, certification
and distribution
Awareness creation for users
Other ( please state)
Q3.4 please states any additional relevant information/experience of your country on the
transition that can be share to the other member states and any comment on the
questionnaire.
15
AUC strives to make the transition smooth and beneficial for all member states across the continent
without letting a single member state left behind!