Digital Terrestrial TV Broadcasting
Switchover Action Plan and
Recommendations
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable
Development
The main targets of the government of Georgia in the process of switchover to DTT broadcasting are:
Support of freedom of expression and media plurality;
Promotion of Georgian broadcasting market and locally made content;
Minimizing barriers for entering in to
Free-To-Air broadcasting market;
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia
Creating a competitive environment by introducing alternative Free-to-Air
digital terrestrial MUX platforms;
Support for highly effective use of limited natural resources, i.e. radio
frequencies;
Insuring access of end users to diverse FTA broadcasting content;
Promotion of the field to attract investments;
Legislative amendments / authorization of broadcasters
TV brodcasting / TV content creation activity is separated from the
network / MUX operator business
Licensing of TV broadcasters is being abrogated. Content producers may
enter TV broadcasting market by means of simplified authorisation
procedure
Broadcaster(s) is additionally allowed to acquire a set of radio
frequencies for the purpose of building a DTT network / MUX platform.
Licence fees paid by the broadcasters ahead in time in exchange for the
use of FTA analog broadcasting radio frequency from 17 June 2015
onwards, will be reimbursed.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia
DTTV standards and technologies
DTTV broadcasting platforms with nationwide coverage obligation will use
the most advanced technology (DVB-T2, (EN 302 755) with MPEG4 data
compression mechanism (ISO/IEC 14496)) that brings a possibility for a MUX
platform to carry about 15 standard definition (SD) or 4 to 6 high definition
(HD) TV programmes .
DTTV broadcasting platforms, dedicated for the local (regional) coverage,
may be built using DVB-T standard with either MPEG4 or MPEG 2 data
compression technology.
Ministry of Economy and
Sustainable Development of Georgia
Digital Receiver - Set-Top Box specification
In order to ensure interoperability of transmitted digital broadcasting signals
with the receivers, Set-Top-Box technical specification document was
developed, (based on recognized International Standards) within the
framework of ongoing EBRD technical support project; It is recommended
that digital terrestrial TV receivers’ importers/producers use the document as
a manual;
It is recommended that all set top boxes available on Georgian market are
duly certified and compatible with the basic requirements outlined in the
document;
Ministry of Economy and
Sustainable Development of Georgia
Rules of Operation of Service Information in the Georgia
DTTV Networks
Document on “Rules of Operation” was developed within the framework of
ongoing EBRD technical support project.
.
Georgian Government recommends that all DTTV network/multiplex
operators apply the basic rules outlined in the document
The document describes technical parameters and digital signal
transmission rules for the Georgia Digital Terrestrial TV Networks that
ensures interoperability of transmitted broadcasting signals with receiver
specifications.
Ministry of Economy and
Sustainable Development of Georgia
Coverage obligations and recommendations
Additional documents developed under EBRD project covers:
Technical specifications of the Georgian nationwide DTTV network (s) (both
transmission and distribution networks), budgetary cost estimation of each
network element and key parameter indicators (KPI).
Technical planning shows that in order to achieve coverage similar to the
current analog broadcasting network (90% of population) DTTV network has
to use 42 main sites of “Teleradiocenter” and about 60 gap-fillers.
Based on the above, it is recommended that multiplex platforms with
nationwide coverage requirement use main sites of the “Teleradiocenter”.
However, MUX operators are free to submit alternative RF planning
scenarios, and build the networks using alternative infrastructure.
Ministry of Economy and
Sustainable Development of Georgia
Frequency bands and future usage
Parts of the spectrum that were initially reserved for broadcasting (in
particular, the frequencies in the 800 MHz band from 2014 and the
700 MHz band, after switchover) will be used for wireless broadband
services in accordance with international best practice.
UHF namely - broadcasting channels under 470-694 MHz band will be
freed after digital switchover and will be available for digital terrestrial
TV broadcasting;
Due to the frequency shortage 694-790 MHz band will be used for
DTTV networks during simulcast;
VHF III namely - broadcasting channels under 174-230 MHz band will
be used for local digital terrestrial TV broadcasting platforms after June
17, 2015.
Ministry of Economy and
Sustainable Development of Georgia
Frequency Resources for Transitional and Long Term Periods
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Based on RF frequency resource availability under 470-694 MHz band seven
nationwide digital terrestrial TV broadcasting platforms (having different
technical specifications) are planned.
Due to the frequency shortage, during simulcast, two sets of “temporary”
frequencies were allocated for building two nationwide MUX platforms
After the DSO, “temporary” frequencies will be replaced by the sets of
frequencies according to the pre-defined plan.
As soon as legislative amendments take place, GNCC will release sets of
frequencies for multiplex platforms, according to the following scheme:
Frequency Resources Planned for DTT Networks and their Assignment
Sets of frequencies for five nationwide digital terestrial TV broadcasting platforms will be
available by means of open contest.
Multiplex Platforms 1,2, 3, 4 and 5
Set of frequencies for multiplex platform 6 (dedicated primary for carrying public broadcasters
TV programs) will be assigned free of charge to the “Teleradiocenter” - State owned entity;
Frequency channels (available under VHF III band after switchover) for local (DVB-T or T2
standard) multiplex platforms will be assigned free of charge to local free-to-air
broadcasters/local broadcasters’ union.
Multiplex Platform 6
Local Multiplex Platforms
Multiplex Platform 7
Set of frequencies for multiplex platform 7 will be reserved and decision will be made later -
taking into consideration the results of open contest.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Open Contest, Five Multiplex Platforms and Subsequent
Responsibilities
Under the open contest set of frequencies - “Lot” for the following five DTTV
broadcasting platforms (with different functions and technical specifications) will be
available:
Lot A (Multiplex Platform 1)
Under this Lot:
A set of frequencies planned for MUX platform 1 and allocated on a “temporary”
basis, for building a nationwide DTT network with local content insertions for each of
the ten allotment zones will be available immediately after the completion of open
contest. Winner will be responsible for the construction of an appropriate network till
June 17, 2015
After the DSO “temporary” set of frequencies for the same MUX platform will be
substituted by the frequency resource which can support the local content to be
delivered within subzones of each of the ten allotment zones. Winner will be
responsible for constructing an appropriate network gradually.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Lot B (Multiplex Platform 2)
Under this Lot:
Winner will be responsible for the construction of an appropriate network
for July 17, 2015
Frequency resource for the nationwide multiplex platform with the
ability of transmitting same content, will be available after June 17, 2015
Open Contest, Five Multiplex Platforms and Subsequent
Responsibilities
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Multiplex Platform 1 and 2 license holders are
responsible:
building nationwide DTT network dedicated for the transmission of Free to Air
and/or Free to View content.
Responsibilities of A and B Lot Resource Holders
to provide authorized broadcasters an access to the MUX platform resources
without discriminatory restrictions on the basis of cost oriented price, not
exceeding the one indicated in the contest proposal.
In case of no demand for Free to Air access, license holder is allowed to provide Pay
TV services. But regardless of such permission, upon demand, a license holder has
to provide an access to the MUX resources unconditionally.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Lot C, D and E (Multiplex Platform 3, 4 and 5)
Under this Lot:
Frequency resource holder will be responsible for building a DTT
network that covers not less than 50% of population and provides Free
to air / Free to view and Pay TV services
Frequency resource for the nationwide DTT Network with the ability to
transmit same content to all of the ten allotment zones will be available
after June 17, 2015
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Open Contest, Five Multiplex Platforms and Subsequent
Responsibilities
The GNCC during elaboration of the design of open competitive contest
shall take into consideration following recommendations:
Bidders shall have the chance to submit proposals for any combination of the
lots
Design of an open Competitive Contest and Relevant
Recommendations
The lots shall be defined in advance. This shall ensure construction of multiplex
platforms providing free to air / free to view content transmission (lots A and B in
particular). It is recommended to define the following combinations of the lots:
A+0 B+0 A+B
A+1 B+1 A+B+1
A+2 B+2 A+B+2
A+3 B+3 A+B+3
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Bidders shall have the chance
to submit any number of proposals for any combinations of the lots;
Design of an open Competitive Contest and Relevant
Recommendations
Bidders shall submit the documents confirming their financial
background;
Documents submitted by bidders shall include the technical and
financial/tariff proposals. The proposals shall be evaluated by defined
criteria with the relevant points and weighting factors.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Design of an open Competitive Contest and Relevant
Recommendations
A table below outlines additional criteria for evaluating bidders proposals related
to MUX platforms A and/or B
Additional point(s) shall be granted to the bidder, if he managed to submit a
number of MoU’s signed with the national, local and other authorized
broadcaster
A Agreement with national broadcaster 10 points
B Agreement with local broadcaster 2 points
C Agreement with satellite license holder authorized
broadcaster.
1 point
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Design of an open Competitive Contest and Relevant
Recommendations
GNCC will not set an one-off licence fee for obtaining sets of radio
frequencies
Bidders will be able to define maximum fee taking into account the
business model relevant to the lot combination selected by bidders
Financial/tariff proposal evaluation method shall be based on the
following criteria
A. The RF spectrum licence fee defined by the bidder to be transferred
to the state budget of Georgia
B. The price cap for transmission of free-to-air TV content within
multiplex platform/platforms
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Design of an open Competitive Contest and Relevant
Recommendations
Bidders applying for less lots within the given combinations, shall be
granted more points e.g.
A+0 100% B+0 95% A+B 95%
A+1 90% B+1 85% A+B+1 85%
A+2 80% B+2 75% A+B+2 75%
A+3 70% B+3 65% A+B+3 65%
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
Multiplex 6 / digital terrestrial multiplex platform for the public
broadcaster
In order to guarantee construction of at least one DTTV platform before
simulcast period and to ensure that public broadcaster's Free-to-air content
is broadcasted through Digital terrestrial platform (including simulcast
period) a set of frequencies (including frequencies for the distribution
network) will be assigned to “Teleradiocenter” – state owned entity
Digital terrestrial broadcasting platform 6 (including distribution
network) - has to be constructed before March 1, 2015
During the simulcast period the Multiplex 6 will carry public broadcaster's
as well as corresponding Free-to-air broadcasters TV content.
Dedicated terrestrial multiplex platform for the Public broadcaster and
competition
In order to secure competition “Teleradiocenter” – State owned entity - participation in
the open contest will be restricted and will not be allowed to:
Manage free capacity of the multiplex platform 6 and offer access to free-to-air
broadcasters as well as to provide pay TV services
But in order to use effectively capacity not loaded by public broadcaster’s TV content of
MUX 6 “Teleradiocenter” has to provide access to licensed MUX operators upon their
request (on the first come first serve bases) with non-discriminatory conditions and
cost-oriented prices.
In addition, “Teleradiocenter” (as far as the company is owner of the main passive
infrastructure - masts to be used by DTTV networks) will be obliged to meet reasonable
requests for access to, and use of, specific network elements and associated facilities,
and provide service with non-discriminatory conditions and cost-oriented prices
Support of Local Broadcasting and Formation of Local Multiplex
Platforms
The planned course foresees assignment of frequency resource(s) necessary to form
local DTT broadcasting network/multiplex platform free of charge taking in
consideration the following
In case more than one local free to air broadcaster willing to form local multiplex
platform GNCC will assign frequency resource(s) free of charge and without an
open contest to the existing/established voluntary union of local broadcasters. The
union must be established by the end of May 2014 and must present an application
form to the commission.
In case more than one local union will be established (and/or any of the local
broadcasters was not able to join the association despite their willingness to do so) the
GNCC will ensure the frequency resource(s) allocation based on the open contest.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
To ensure the formation/completion of local DTT network/multiplex
platform by March 1, 2016
Local multiplex platforms and relative responsibilities
The local broadcaster/the Union of local broadcasters owning the frequency
resource(s) will be responsible
To provide only free to air/free to view TV content (broadcasters
authorized in Georgia)
In case of demand, must ensure non-discriminatory access of the
broadcasters (authorized in Georgia) to free resource(s) of the multiplex
platform.
In spite of the fact, that local broadcasters/union of local broadcasters will be able to use
frequency resource(s) only after DOS, in case of timely activities they will be able to
complete the preliminary works for network provisioning by June 17th 2015 and launch
the local multiplex platform with in the shortest time possible (after ASO).
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
During simulcast the state MUX platform will ensure provision of TV content of
GPB as well as all the existing national free to air broadcasters in SD format with
no charge.
Simulcast period
Simulcast period must comprise of no less than three month period, starting
from March 17th 2015 to June 17th 2015
During simulcast, the broadcasters producing local/regional content, wish to
stay in broadcasting business only, can join the state MUX platform and be
carried with no charge.
It is duty of a content provider, during simulcast period, to deliver signal to MUX operator headend in
the format described in technical documentation, on their own expense.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
State aid (provisioning and installation of STB’s) for the families registered as
socially vulnerable and having less than 70,000 total rating points(at the moment
total estimated number varies between 225,000-240,000)
Customer issues, State subsidy policy and information
within the reform state provision includes the following:
Within the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development will be established
the “Digital Broadcasting Agency”. The agency shall coordinate the activities
related to the transition on digital broadcasting, namely providing information on
key aspects of the reform to the interested parties, as well as providing
necessary state aid to the socially vulnerable families.
Financing the public information provisioning activities.
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
“Digital Broadcasting Agency” and information provision to the
interested parties
In order to provide relevant information to the public and interested parties, also
provide timely aid if necessary, the "Digital broadcasting agency” shall:
Set up 24/7 multilingual hotline service;
Set up a special informational website, where all relevant information will be
presented and updated (www.digital.gov.ge);
shall provide updated information on the sellers/resellers of certified “STBs”;
Shall produce the social advertising material and coordinate its dissemination
via media channels;
Shall provide special trainings for journalists and interested parties.
Shall print informative leaflets for customer and sellers and distribute these
materials in the relevant stores/shops;
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development