ITV

Tag: DTT

  • Research and Markets’ World DTH TV Update for 2015

    Research and Markets’ World DTH TV Update for 2015

    MUMBAI: What’s driving DTH subscriber growth globally? According to research firm, Research and Markets’ (R&M’s) latest report, World DTH Market End 2015, almost one third of pay TV satellite growth is a result of telecom companies making DTH offers.

    Telecoms players’ foray into extending their current portfolios along with strategy of selling bundles is the reason behind this..

    The market research outfit says that DTH television is growing in all regions, excepting in the US where it has gone down. Latin America has added the maximum DTH subs growing from 14 million in 2010 to 35 million in 2015 – a compounded annual growth rate of 20 per cent.

    Next to Latin America the other region growing fast is APAC at a CAGR of 17 per cent followed by Middle-East Africa (MEA) at a CAGR of 15 per cent. Europe has grown at a CAGR of 5 per cent for 2010-15.

    The author has tracked tracks TV subscribers quarterly based on technology type – Cable, DTT, IPTV and DTH. The report analyses the DTH pay TV subscribers globally and the share of telecom operators in the DTH space.

  • Research and Markets’ World DTH TV Update for 2015

    Research and Markets’ World DTH TV Update for 2015

    MUMBAI: What’s driving DTH subscriber growth globally? According to research firm, Research and Markets’ (R&M’s) latest report, World DTH Market End 2015, almost one third of pay TV satellite growth is a result of telecom companies making DTH offers.

    Telecoms players’ foray into extending their current portfolios along with strategy of selling bundles is the reason behind this..

    The market research outfit says that DTH television is growing in all regions, excepting in the US where it has gone down. Latin America has added the maximum DTH subs growing from 14 million in 2010 to 35 million in 2015 – a compounded annual growth rate of 20 per cent.

    Next to Latin America the other region growing fast is APAC at a CAGR of 17 per cent followed by Middle-East Africa (MEA) at a CAGR of 15 per cent. Europe has grown at a CAGR of 5 per cent for 2010-15.

    The author has tracked tracks TV subscribers quarterly based on technology type – Cable, DTT, IPTV and DTH. The report analyses the DTH pay TV subscribers globally and the share of telecom operators in the DTH space.

  • TRAI issues paper on mobile TV, opening up DTT to pvt players; lists advantages over analog transmission

    TRAI issues paper on mobile TV, opening up DTT to pvt players; lists advantages over analog transmission

    NEW DELHI: Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT), which has until now remained a monopoly of the public broadcaster Doordarshan, is set for being opened up to private players in an effort to reach the largest audiences in the country.

    Similarly, the mobile TV, hanging fire for some years now in an on-off mode with policy-makers and regulators, too could become a reality.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today issued a consultation paper on DTT and mobile TV, asking stakeholders to respond by 22 July, 2016 with counter-comments by 5 August, 2016.

    Indiantelevision.com had earlier reported that the government was in the final stages of this exercise. Later, the website had also quoted Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar as saying that the pubcaster was not afraid of possible entry of private players.

    DD, which presently has exclusive domain over terrestrial broadcasting, is ranked amongst the world’s largest terrestrial television networks. It has a network of 1,412 analog transmitters that provide TV services through two national channels namely, DD National and DD News.

    In addition to this, the DD network also broadcast several regional TV channels over the terrestrial network in a time sharing mode to meet the local and regional needs of people in different parts of the country. All TV channels provided by DD are free-to-air.

    India’s regulator, in its latest consultation paper, has sought feedback from stakeholders regarding DTT and mobile TV primarily on the following issues:

    Q.1 Do you perceive the need for introduction of DTT in presence of multiple broadcasting distribution platforms?

    Q.2 If yes, what should be the appropriate strategy for DTT implementation across the country?

    Q.3 Should DTT be opened for participation by the private players?

    Q.4 What should be the approach for implementing DTT network (MFN/SFN/Hybrid)?

    Q.5 What should be the criteria for arriving at optimum size of DTT multiplex at any location?

    Q.6 How many digital multiplex per DTT operator should be planned for metro, major cities, urban and rural areas and why?

    Q.7 What should be most appropriate frequency band as per National Frequency Allocation Plan 2011 for implementation of Digital 32 terrestrial transmission including mobile TV?

    Q.8 Should spectrum be exclusively earmarked for roll out of DTT services? If so, what should be the quantum considering the broadcasting sector requirement in totality?

    Q.9 What should be the roadmap for digitization of terrestrial TV network in the country?

    Q.10 What should be the analog switch off date(s) for the terrestrial TV channels in context with the suggested roadmap for DTT implementation?

    DTT for broadcasting TV programme services was first introduced in the UK in 1998 by deploying the first generation DVB-T standard developed by the European Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) group.

    Since then, TRAI says, many new standards have evolved and at this juncture implementation of the second generation standards are underway. The DTT broadcasting spectrum has been harmonized with earlier analog spectrum allocation and therefore DTT makes use of similar analog channel allocations.

    Latest DTT technologies provide a number of advantages over analog terrestrial broadcasting technology. The main amongst them are the following:

    — Better quality TV reception

    — Efficient use of frequency (one DTT transmitter can broadcast multiple TV channels)

    —Possible frequency reuse

    — TV channels can also be received on mobile phones and handheld devices

    — The 7 or 8 MHz TV frequency band can accommodate 10-12 Standard Definition (SD) TV channels or it can be employed as a data pipe to deliver different type of services including radio services.

    — A DTT platform is flexible and content format agnostic as newer formats of TV channels such as HD TV, 3D TV, UHD TV, data and radio services, etc. can be delivered with reduced transmission power requirements.

    —Subsequent digitization also allows for government bodies to reclaim spectrum and repurpose it.

    Analog terrestrial broadcasting has several limitations including transmission being susceptible to Radio Frequency (RF) interference resulting in poorer reception quality; spectrally inefficient as more spectrums per TV channel is required and frequency reuse is limited, apart from other drawbacks.

    Quoting a recent global research report that studied DTT in 138 countries, including India, TRAI says in its paper the global digital TV penetration at the end of 2015 stands at 74.6 percent with 1170 million digital TV households in the world. There are 261.9 million analog terrestrial TV and 252 million DTT TV households. DTT households comprise 239.4 million FTA DTT and 12.6 million pay DTT households globally. Between 2010 and 2015, about 584 million digital TV homes were added, out of which 156 million came primarily from DTT, TRAI stated quoting the report.

    While admitting that many other countries have laid down clear roadmaps to switch-off analog terrestrial TV transmission with a transition to DTT, TRAI points out in India a clear roadmap is unavailable, though work for changeover from analog to digital terrestrial transmission by DD has already commenced.

    The full consultation paper of TRAI on this issue could be accessed at http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReaddata/ConsultationPaper/Document/Consultation_Paper_24_june_2016.pdf.

  • TRAI issues paper on mobile TV, opening up DTT to pvt players; lists advantages over analog transmission

    TRAI issues paper on mobile TV, opening up DTT to pvt players; lists advantages over analog transmission

    NEW DELHI: Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT), which has until now remained a monopoly of the public broadcaster Doordarshan, is set for being opened up to private players in an effort to reach the largest audiences in the country.

    Similarly, the mobile TV, hanging fire for some years now in an on-off mode with policy-makers and regulators, too could become a reality.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today issued a consultation paper on DTT and mobile TV, asking stakeholders to respond by 22 July, 2016 with counter-comments by 5 August, 2016.

    Indiantelevision.com had earlier reported that the government was in the final stages of this exercise. Later, the website had also quoted Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar as saying that the pubcaster was not afraid of possible entry of private players.

    DD, which presently has exclusive domain over terrestrial broadcasting, is ranked amongst the world’s largest terrestrial television networks. It has a network of 1,412 analog transmitters that provide TV services through two national channels namely, DD National and DD News.

    In addition to this, the DD network also broadcast several regional TV channels over the terrestrial network in a time sharing mode to meet the local and regional needs of people in different parts of the country. All TV channels provided by DD are free-to-air.

    India’s regulator, in its latest consultation paper, has sought feedback from stakeholders regarding DTT and mobile TV primarily on the following issues:

    Q.1 Do you perceive the need for introduction of DTT in presence of multiple broadcasting distribution platforms?

    Q.2 If yes, what should be the appropriate strategy for DTT implementation across the country?

    Q.3 Should DTT be opened for participation by the private players?

    Q.4 What should be the approach for implementing DTT network (MFN/SFN/Hybrid)?

    Q.5 What should be the criteria for arriving at optimum size of DTT multiplex at any location?

    Q.6 How many digital multiplex per DTT operator should be planned for metro, major cities, urban and rural areas and why?

    Q.7 What should be most appropriate frequency band as per National Frequency Allocation Plan 2011 for implementation of Digital 32 terrestrial transmission including mobile TV?

    Q.8 Should spectrum be exclusively earmarked for roll out of DTT services? If so, what should be the quantum considering the broadcasting sector requirement in totality?

    Q.9 What should be the roadmap for digitization of terrestrial TV network in the country?

    Q.10 What should be the analog switch off date(s) for the terrestrial TV channels in context with the suggested roadmap for DTT implementation?

    DTT for broadcasting TV programme services was first introduced in the UK in 1998 by deploying the first generation DVB-T standard developed by the European Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) group.

    Since then, TRAI says, many new standards have evolved and at this juncture implementation of the second generation standards are underway. The DTT broadcasting spectrum has been harmonized with earlier analog spectrum allocation and therefore DTT makes use of similar analog channel allocations.

    Latest DTT technologies provide a number of advantages over analog terrestrial broadcasting technology. The main amongst them are the following:

    — Better quality TV reception

    — Efficient use of frequency (one DTT transmitter can broadcast multiple TV channels)

    —Possible frequency reuse

    — TV channels can also be received on mobile phones and handheld devices

    — The 7 or 8 MHz TV frequency band can accommodate 10-12 Standard Definition (SD) TV channels or it can be employed as a data pipe to deliver different type of services including radio services.

    — A DTT platform is flexible and content format agnostic as newer formats of TV channels such as HD TV, 3D TV, UHD TV, data and radio services, etc. can be delivered with reduced transmission power requirements.

    —Subsequent digitization also allows for government bodies to reclaim spectrum and repurpose it.

    Analog terrestrial broadcasting has several limitations including transmission being susceptible to Radio Frequency (RF) interference resulting in poorer reception quality; spectrally inefficient as more spectrums per TV channel is required and frequency reuse is limited, apart from other drawbacks.

    Quoting a recent global research report that studied DTT in 138 countries, including India, TRAI says in its paper the global digital TV penetration at the end of 2015 stands at 74.6 percent with 1170 million digital TV households in the world. There are 261.9 million analog terrestrial TV and 252 million DTT TV households. DTT households comprise 239.4 million FTA DTT and 12.6 million pay DTT households globally. Between 2010 and 2015, about 584 million digital TV homes were added, out of which 156 million came primarily from DTT, TRAI stated quoting the report.

    While admitting that many other countries have laid down clear roadmaps to switch-off analog terrestrial TV transmission with a transition to DTT, TRAI points out in India a clear roadmap is unavailable, though work for changeover from analog to digital terrestrial transmission by DD has already commenced.

    The full consultation paper of TRAI on this issue could be accessed at http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReaddata/ConsultationPaper/Document/Consultation_Paper_24_june_2016.pdf.

  • Prasar Bharati CEO: Prasar Bharati not opposed to private players’ entry in DTT

    Prasar Bharati CEO: Prasar Bharati not opposed to private players’ entry in DTT

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati has been in favour of opening up of the digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) to private players, but could not formalise the proposal owing to internal pressure.

    “We had approved of DTT and allowing private players also to participate over a year back, but had faced resistance internally from certain quarters,” Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar said.

    Sircar told indiantelevision.com in an exclusive interview that the pubcaster was asked (by the government) to prepare a base paper in this regard and draw up a business plan too.

    “But this could not be done because of unfamiliarity with market conditions,” Sircar said.

    Hinting that the pubcaster is aware of an impending move by broadcast carriage and telecoms regulator TRAI in starting a debate over DTT and possible opening up of the sector to private players, Sircar said if that should happen, it would not “affect Doordarshan’s plans.”

    At the same time, Sircar added, private players, if allowed, did not have the acilities available with Prasar Bharati.

    “Either the private players would have to invest in (transmission) towers or they would have to depend on the pubcaster for several things, including infrastructure,” Sircar explained, pointing out that this can result in additional revenue for the pubcaster.

    Indiantelevision.com had earlier this month reported the government was exploring possibilities of throwing open the digital terrestrial transmission or DTT services for private sector participation.

    That report had also indicated Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is expected to issue a consultation paper in this regard to start a public consultation.

    As of now, terrestrial transmission – analogue or digital – is the monopoly of the pubcaster Doordarshan.

    In an earlier story, indiantelevision.com had also reported that DD had commenced DTT services in 16 cities. DD move to also replace its analogue transmitters with digital transmitters will allow up to 8 channels to be carried from a single transmitter.

    ALSO READ:

    DTT could be thrown open for pvt sector companies

    Doordarshan launches Mobile TV in India, needs no internet

    DD moving to digitisation through Freedish and DTT: Rathore

  • Prasar Bharati CEO: Prasar Bharati not opposed to private players’ entry in DTT

    Prasar Bharati CEO: Prasar Bharati not opposed to private players’ entry in DTT

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati has been in favour of opening up of the digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) to private players, but could not formalise the proposal owing to internal pressure.

    “We had approved of DTT and allowing private players also to participate over a year back, but had faced resistance internally from certain quarters,” Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar said.

    Sircar told indiantelevision.com in an exclusive interview that the pubcaster was asked (by the government) to prepare a base paper in this regard and draw up a business plan too.

    “But this could not be done because of unfamiliarity with market conditions,” Sircar said.

    Hinting that the pubcaster is aware of an impending move by broadcast carriage and telecoms regulator TRAI in starting a debate over DTT and possible opening up of the sector to private players, Sircar said if that should happen, it would not “affect Doordarshan’s plans.”

    At the same time, Sircar added, private players, if allowed, did not have the acilities available with Prasar Bharati.

    “Either the private players would have to invest in (transmission) towers or they would have to depend on the pubcaster for several things, including infrastructure,” Sircar explained, pointing out that this can result in additional revenue for the pubcaster.

    Indiantelevision.com had earlier this month reported the government was exploring possibilities of throwing open the digital terrestrial transmission or DTT services for private sector participation.

    That report had also indicated Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is expected to issue a consultation paper in this regard to start a public consultation.

    As of now, terrestrial transmission – analogue or digital – is the monopoly of the pubcaster Doordarshan.

    In an earlier story, indiantelevision.com had also reported that DD had commenced DTT services in 16 cities. DD move to also replace its analogue transmitters with digital transmitters will allow up to 8 channels to be carried from a single transmitter.

    ALSO READ:

    DTT could be thrown open for pvt sector companies

    Doordarshan launches Mobile TV in India, needs no internet

    DD moving to digitisation through Freedish and DTT: Rathore

  • Could India be the M&E destination by 2020?

    Could India be the M&E destination by 2020?

    MUMBAI:  It’s a good time to be in India for someone in the media and entertainment industry, be it in print, digital or television, especially for the next five years. As per PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2016-20 report, India will be one of only seven countries to achieve double-digit growth. Could India be a major M&E destination by 2020 because of that?

    The industry is set to surpass USD 40,000 million by 2020 growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 10.3 per cent, whereas the global M and E industry will grow at 4.4 per cent in the next five years, from USD 1.7 trillion in 2015 to USD 2.1 trillion in 2020. Assuming this estimate is correct, Indian media and entertainment industry will contribute almost 2 percent to the global revenues by 2020. A number of international players already have presence in India. The PWC report statistic could entice newer players as well encourage the existing players to take India more seriously with come up with some serious expansion investments.

    “Given India’s overall growth in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and Per Capita Income (PCI), it is not surprising that India is amongst the top 10 markets for growth in the Sector. Although, in India traditional media like newspaper publishing and cinema, has always shown strong growth, we expect that even in terms of absolute total USD spend, it should get into the top 10 in the early part of the next decade. What would be more interesting, however, is how rapidly India would catch up with global trends, where traditional media is finding it hard to remain relevant, and the digital sector is leading the growth trajectory and consequently bringing in continuous disruptions. That will all depend on how quickly the Indian digital/broadband ecosystem matures, and how the Indian players adapt and drive business models in what would be a rapidly changing environment for consumption of data/content fashioned largely by India’s under 35 population,” shared PwC India Partner & Leader – Entertainment & Media Frank D’Souza.

    With all eyes on India’s smartphone blitzkrieg and internet penetration, recently emerged digital businesses banking on the medium’s growth can expect mobile advertising to grow at a rate of 18.5 per cent CAGR as per the PwC forecast.

    “Paid search Internet advertising revenue will rise to USD 492 million by 2020. Online spend on display ads in India has witnessed strong growth in the historic period and revenue has almost tripled since 2011, reaching USD 200mn in 2015,” the report pointed out.

    Keeping in line with what several industry veterans believe, the digital explosion in the country will only augment the television sector, with digital upgrades focused on the cable and satellite industry.

    “India will be one of only seven countries to achieve double-digit growth over the forecast period at an 11.7% CAGR driven by its television advertising revenues.  This will generate revenue of USD 5.54bn in 2020, compared with USD3.19bn in 2015,” the report read.

    The report also pointed out that with no DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) launch, TV advertising revenue is driven primarily by the subscription sector. “Multichannel TV advertising revenue reached USD 2.91bn in 2015 and will grow at a 12.1 per cent CAGR to generate revenue of USD 5.13bn in 2020,” report highlighted.

    As far as the publishing industry is concerned, global trends of advertising in the magazine, books and newspaper publishing are at near flat or negative growth trajectory. However, there is still much hope in the industry’s Indian counterpart as Indian publishing remains one of the fastest growing in the world. The growth could be credited to the increasing literacy rates, educational needs, and strong desire to consume news and content in local languages, combined with nascent digital/broadband penetration, that would further fuel the growth and keep it relevant over the 2016-20.  In 2015, the overall publishing revenues were at USD 6133 million, an increase of USD 302 million over 2014 as per the report.

    (Source: Highlights of PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2016-20 released on its website) 

  • Could India be the M&E destination by 2020?

    Could India be the M&E destination by 2020?

    MUMBAI:  It’s a good time to be in India for someone in the media and entertainment industry, be it in print, digital or television, especially for the next five years. As per PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2016-20 report, India will be one of only seven countries to achieve double-digit growth. Could India be a major M&E destination by 2020 because of that?

    The industry is set to surpass USD 40,000 million by 2020 growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 10.3 per cent, whereas the global M and E industry will grow at 4.4 per cent in the next five years, from USD 1.7 trillion in 2015 to USD 2.1 trillion in 2020. Assuming this estimate is correct, Indian media and entertainment industry will contribute almost 2 percent to the global revenues by 2020. A number of international players already have presence in India. The PWC report statistic could entice newer players as well encourage the existing players to take India more seriously with come up with some serious expansion investments.

    “Given India’s overall growth in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and Per Capita Income (PCI), it is not surprising that India is amongst the top 10 markets for growth in the Sector. Although, in India traditional media like newspaper publishing and cinema, has always shown strong growth, we expect that even in terms of absolute total USD spend, it should get into the top 10 in the early part of the next decade. What would be more interesting, however, is how rapidly India would catch up with global trends, where traditional media is finding it hard to remain relevant, and the digital sector is leading the growth trajectory and consequently bringing in continuous disruptions. That will all depend on how quickly the Indian digital/broadband ecosystem matures, and how the Indian players adapt and drive business models in what would be a rapidly changing environment for consumption of data/content fashioned largely by India’s under 35 population,” shared PwC India Partner & Leader – Entertainment & Media Frank D’Souza.

    With all eyes on India’s smartphone blitzkrieg and internet penetration, recently emerged digital businesses banking on the medium’s growth can expect mobile advertising to grow at a rate of 18.5 per cent CAGR as per the PwC forecast.

    “Paid search Internet advertising revenue will rise to USD 492 million by 2020. Online spend on display ads in India has witnessed strong growth in the historic period and revenue has almost tripled since 2011, reaching USD 200mn in 2015,” the report pointed out.

    Keeping in line with what several industry veterans believe, the digital explosion in the country will only augment the television sector, with digital upgrades focused on the cable and satellite industry.

    “India will be one of only seven countries to achieve double-digit growth over the forecast period at an 11.7% CAGR driven by its television advertising revenues.  This will generate revenue of USD 5.54bn in 2020, compared with USD3.19bn in 2015,” the report read.

    The report also pointed out that with no DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) launch, TV advertising revenue is driven primarily by the subscription sector. “Multichannel TV advertising revenue reached USD 2.91bn in 2015 and will grow at a 12.1 per cent CAGR to generate revenue of USD 5.13bn in 2020,” report highlighted.

    As far as the publishing industry is concerned, global trends of advertising in the magazine, books and newspaper publishing are at near flat or negative growth trajectory. However, there is still much hope in the industry’s Indian counterpart as Indian publishing remains one of the fastest growing in the world. The growth could be credited to the increasing literacy rates, educational needs, and strong desire to consume news and content in local languages, combined with nascent digital/broadband penetration, that would further fuel the growth and keep it relevant over the 2016-20.  In 2015, the overall publishing revenues were at USD 6133 million, an increase of USD 302 million over 2014 as per the report.

    (Source: Highlights of PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2016-20 released on its website) 

  • DTT could be thrown open for pvt sector companies

    DTT could be thrown open for pvt sector companies

    NEW DELHI: The Indian government is exploring possibilities of throwing open the digital terrestrial transmission or DTT services for private sector participation.

    Broadcast carriage and telecoms regulator TRAI is poised to start a public consultation in this regard soon.

    Presently, terrestrial transmission, analogue or digital, is a monopoly game with India’s pubcaster Doordarshan being the only player.

    A senior level source in Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) admitted that in near future DTT could see involvement of private sector companies as seen in the area of cable and satellite broadcasting.

    The MIB source also pointed out that in this connection TRAI has already been consulted and the regulator is in the process of fine-tuning a background paper on DTT that will form part of the consultation with industry stakeholders.

    Some of the issues that could be put up for discussion include whether it’s correct in this age of fast-evolving technology to keep DTT a playing arena for only DD; whether DTT services with private sector involvement would be in an encrypted or unencrypted form and technologies to be used.

    Quite a few Asian countries like Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore — considered more sophisticated media markets in terms of ARPUs in comparison to India — have private sector companies providing DTT services.

    According to ViaSat magazine, telco PCCW, for example, in Hong Kong recently announced launch of a new set-top box (STB) that will be an all-in-one, 4K-ready device providing IPTV, DTT and over-the-top (OTT) services to subscribers.

    However, it must be remembered that even if TRAI comes out with a consultation paper on DTT and finally recommends that private sector companies be allowed to provide DTT services, along with DD, the final say on the matter would be with MIB.

    In an earlier story Indiantelevision.com had reported that DD, one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world in terms of the studios and transmitters, has commenced DTT services in 16 cities.

    DD move to also replace its analogue transmitters with digital transmitters will allow up to 8 channels to be carried from a single transmitter.

    Interestingly, while listing the many advantages of DTT services, Doordarshan on its website points out that “DTT secures greater plurality in Platform ownership, ensuring that no single platform owner is so powerful that they can exert undue influence on public opinion or political agendas.”

    ALSO READ:

    Doordarshan launches Mobile TV in India, needs no internet

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/terrestrial/doordarshan-launches-mobile-tv-in-india-needs-no-internet-160404

    DD moving to digitisation through Freedish and DTT: Rathore

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/regulators/i-and-b-ministry/dd-moving-to-digitisation-through-freedish-and-dtt-rathore-141202

     

     

  • DTT could be thrown open for pvt sector companies

    DTT could be thrown open for pvt sector companies

    NEW DELHI: The Indian government is exploring possibilities of throwing open the digital terrestrial transmission or DTT services for private sector participation.

    Broadcast carriage and telecoms regulator TRAI is poised to start a public consultation in this regard soon.

    Presently, terrestrial transmission, analogue or digital, is a monopoly game with India’s pubcaster Doordarshan being the only player.

    A senior level source in Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) admitted that in near future DTT could see involvement of private sector companies as seen in the area of cable and satellite broadcasting.

    The MIB source also pointed out that in this connection TRAI has already been consulted and the regulator is in the process of fine-tuning a background paper on DTT that will form part of the consultation with industry stakeholders.

    Some of the issues that could be put up for discussion include whether it’s correct in this age of fast-evolving technology to keep DTT a playing arena for only DD; whether DTT services with private sector involvement would be in an encrypted or unencrypted form and technologies to be used.

    Quite a few Asian countries like Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore — considered more sophisticated media markets in terms of ARPUs in comparison to India — have private sector companies providing DTT services.

    According to ViaSat magazine, telco PCCW, for example, in Hong Kong recently announced launch of a new set-top box (STB) that will be an all-in-one, 4K-ready device providing IPTV, DTT and over-the-top (OTT) services to subscribers.

    However, it must be remembered that even if TRAI comes out with a consultation paper on DTT and finally recommends that private sector companies be allowed to provide DTT services, along with DD, the final say on the matter would be with MIB.

    In an earlier story Indiantelevision.com had reported that DD, one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world in terms of the studios and transmitters, has commenced DTT services in 16 cities.

    DD move to also replace its analogue transmitters with digital transmitters will allow up to 8 channels to be carried from a single transmitter.

    Interestingly, while listing the many advantages of DTT services, Doordarshan on its website points out that “DTT secures greater plurality in Platform ownership, ensuring that no single platform owner is so powerful that they can exert undue influence on public opinion or political agendas.”

    ALSO READ:

    Doordarshan launches Mobile TV in India, needs no internet

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/terrestrial/doordarshan-launches-mobile-tv-in-india-needs-no-internet-160404

    DD moving to digitisation through Freedish and DTT: Rathore

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/regulators/i-and-b-ministry/dd-moving-to-digitisation-through-freedish-and-dtt-rathore-141202