Digital Television in the Pacific An element of integrated information services ITU Seminar on Spectrum Management and Terrestrial TV Broadcast Nandi, Fiji, 11 July 2015 Colin J Knowles ITU Expert Managing Director Colin Knowles and Associates Pty Ltd

Digital Television in The Pacific Overview ITU Support for Digital Migration DTTB Challenges for Pacific Nations Standards Options and Harmonization Broadband and Other Delivery of Services Resourcing Digital Initiatives Role of Government Quantifying the Benefits

ITU Support for Digital Migration Guidelines for Migration – Digital Dividend Development of Digital Television migration roadmaps Fiji, Kirabati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, PNG, Tonga …. Roadmap provides strategic guidance and support for migration activities Implementation is a National issue for Governments

DTTB Challenges for Pacific Nations Population often widely dispersed Basic services are sometimes limited : eg electricity Difficulty in sustaining operations and infrastructure Skills base Distance and time and cost of external support Basic telecommunications a priority Viewing situations often different to those of developed countries. Funding for new infrastructure Affordability of receivers

The Broadcast Evolution and Contribution to Convergence Image courtesy:

Broadband and Other Delivery of Services Broadband wired and wireless Rapid advancement in compression technologies and data delivery capacity: satellite, fibre, copper, wireless Development of new services: VOD, IPTV, Smart TV, Video Telephony

Technology Life Cycles are becoming shorter Image Source

Convert your PC to a Digital Television for AUD 32

Digital Development No longer possible to think in terms of single platform Innovation and user demands will outpace traditional regulatory schemes ICT is about delivery of useful services – therefore necessary regulation should be concerned with services not technology and be platform agnostic All parties should embrace all aspects of ICT to enable tailored and lower cost solutions to traditional difficult problems. It provides the tools to enable program makers to better tell their stories and make them more compelling. Multi-platform delivery opens new opportunities.

Benefits Of Digital Technology Consumer Expectations and Needs in the Digital Age Relationship between Delivery Platforms – DTV – Satellite – Mobile Telephony and Data Services – Cable Television Potential Contribution to National Development – Infrastructure Sharing – Delivery of New Types of Services – Competition Content for Digital Television 19

Digital Dividend Capacity freed up by migration of television services to digital technology Main beneficiary is next generation telephony Generally not an issue in Pacific countries as the “dividend” spectrum is not used for television The migration dividend for LDCs may be in the form of improved and more innovative services at lower infrastructure cost Television (sound and images) remains a powerful tool for education, information and entertainment.

ICT in a National Context New learning opportunities Improved access to information and services Literacy Building Lower costs of establishing national infrastructure Improved communication essential for economic development Improved communication support industry development

Resourcing Digital Initiatives Infrastructure Planning and Establishment Personnel Skills Development Supply/Support Sourcing Funding

Government Leadership is Critical

The Role of Government Establish Clear Policy Objectives across the ICT/Broadcast/Telecommunications Landscape Establish a Management Framework to Support Implementation at all Stages Source Infrastructure Funding Engage with all Participants and Service Providers

DTV Opportunities and Contribution to National Goals Multi-channel, HDTV, future prospects, Audio and Data on DTV Lower Infrastructure Costs Education, Information, Entertainment – Civic awareness and Cultural development New Opportunities Competitive Services? 27

Possible Policy Objectives Improve Access Reduce Costs Future Proofing Encourage Competition and Diversity of Content Interactive Services Digital Dividend Mobile Technologies? 28

Summary Pacific Nations face many challenges on their journey to reduce the digital divide Comprehensive strategic planning is essential so that there is not inappropriate overemphasis on only one aspect (eg telecommunications, broadcast etc..) Proper Plans can assist in gaining financial and other support We must ensure that any investment is sustainable in the long term.