National Council of Radio and Television, ALBANIA BROADCASTING TV DIGITALIZATION in Albania
Albania Audiovisual Landscape (Public audiovisual sector)
The public sector is run by the RTSH (Albanian Radio-Television). Public television includes: 1 national television network : TVSH (Analogue terrestrial) 3 regional television networks (Analogue Terrestrial) Public Radio includes: 2 national stations (FM) 3 regional stations (FM) 1 satellite program
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 2 Albania Audiovisual Landscape (Private audiovisual sector)
Radio: 2 national radios FM (Top Albania Radio and +2 Radio) 53 local radios (FM) Television: 2 general national television networks: Klan TV and Top Channel (Analogue Terrestrial). Third national operator, TV Arbëria stopped broadcasting and NCRT revoked its license (October 2010) 73 regional or local television networks (1 town up to 4 districts) of which 3 are news channels (Analogue Terrestrial) 44 cable networks, and 4 satellite networks (ALSAT, DIGITALB, Supersport, Tring).
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 3 Current Digital Networks
(DIGITALB DVB-T)
DIGITALB MOBILE DVB-H
TRING DVB-T
SHIJAK DVB-T
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 4 Current Digital Networks (DIGITALB DVB-T)
DIGITALB COVERAGE
Operates without a license Since July 2004. Uses 4 frequencies over almost one third of the territory for broadcasting 38 programs. (9 to 10 programs per MUX, while the average number of programs is 5 to 7 channels. The number of subscribers is not known, however it is bigger than 100.000 households. Decoders are locked for the frequencies other than the frequencies used by DIGITALB. The frequencies used from DIGITALB are not respecting the Frequency Plan GE06 D.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 5 Current Digital Networks (DIGITALB MOBILE DVB-H)
NO DIGITALB MOBILE COVERAGE ANYMORE (October 2010)
DIGITALB broadcasted, without a license, 16 mobile television channels (DVB-H). Due to the business failure, it stopped broadcasting. (In October 2010 the last station in Dajti mountain close to Tirana was stopped).
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 6 Current Digital Networks (DIGITALB DVB-T2)
DIGITALB is broadcasting, without a license, DVB-T2, from Dajti site using ch 29 UHF. Digitalb MUX 5 DVB-T2 256 QAM G.I 1/128
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 7 Current Digital Networks (TRING DVB-T)
TRING COVERAGE
Broadcasts a package of programs from Dajti site using only one frequency within the Frequency Plan GE 06 D.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 8 Current Digital Networks (SHIJAK DVB-T)
TV COVERAGE
Broadcasts a package of programs from Dajti site using only one frequency within the Frequency Plan GE 06 D.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 9 Current Digital Networks Situation in Dajti Mountain Site GE 06 D Plan for Albania (Transmission Capacities)
Digital broadcastings in Band III 174-230 MHz T-DAB T- DAB and DVB-T DVB-T (VHF) (VHF) T-DAB (VHF) Allotment Frequencies
Tirana Sub Coverage Allotment Allotment0 Allotment Number 01 (Nord) 2 (South) (03)
1 11 D 11 B 11 A
2 12 B 12 C 12 A T-DAB (VHF) Tirana Sub Allotment
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 11 GE 06 D Plan for Albania (Transmission Capacities)
Digital broadcastings in Band IV and V 470 - 862 MHz DVB-T
11 DVB-T Allotments (UHF)
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 12 GE 06 D Plan for Albania (FREQUENCIES)
1. VHF (T-DAB)
Tirana Sub Number of Allotment Allotment Allotment of Coverage 01 (North) 02 (South) (03) 1 11 D 11 B 11 A 2 12 B 12 C 12 A
2. VHF+UHF (DVB-T
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 13 Licensing Digital Networks
First effort to license existing digital operators: The parliamentary Resolution forcing the licensing of unlicensed operators; In an not fully completed legal framework; The switch over strategy not defined. In the November 2008,The NCRT announced the organization of the public competition of candidatures for licenses to build and operate 3 private national digital terrestrial networks. (Council Decision nr.726, date 08.09.2008 “About the organization of the competition of the candidatures for private operators of national digital terrestrial networks”. The deadline for presenting and the opening of applications, was set the date 24.11.2008. There were 10 applicants registered. With the request of the candidates, the date of the competition was postponed a couple of times. In the last date, 21.01.2009, the competition failed, because none of the candidates was present.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 14 Licensing Digital Networks (Conclusions)
Reasons of failure to license digital networks:
2009 NOW (2014) Law “On audiovisualmedia in Albania” aproved Lack of a well defined legal framework; (March 2013)
Lack of an approved strategy; Strategy approved (May 2012)
No such an obligation in the new law High financial requirements ( 10 000 000 of (assets are required by the beauty contest assets, 10% warranty, Yearly fee, Auction, etc); Regulation produced by AMA) The cooperation between operators and service New Law:The broadcaster can own one MUX and content providers, unclear; license. Refusal to introduce MPEG 4 instead of existing New Law: Beauty contest selection, Transitory MPEG 2; period from MPEG 2 to MPEG 4
The hope of decoder subsidizing from the state; New law: Partial subvention
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi -AMA 15 GE 06 D Plan for Albania (CHANNELS)
1. VHF
Tirana Sub Number of Allotment Allotment Allotment of Coverage 01 (North) 02 (South) (03) 1 11 D 11 B 11 A 2 12 B 12 C 12 A
2. UHF
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 16
Dividendi Digjital
470 470 MHz 862 MHz 790 790 MHz * Pjeserisht i perdorur prej Transmetimet Televizive - Europe Mbrojtja* sherbimeve mobile ne 20 vende Europiane (RR 5.316)
392 MHz 72 MHz
880 MHz 880
790 MHz 790
915 MHz 915 MHz 925 960 MHz 960 Shfrytezimi aktual i MHz 862 spektrit UHF ne IMT IMT GSM GSM
Europe/USA 2 x 32 MHz 2 x 35 MHz
849 MHz 849 MHz 851
806 MHz 806 894 MHz 894
Transmetimet Televizive - USA PCS PCS Source European Digital Dividend 336 MHz 2 x 43 MHz Conference 5 Mars 2008 17 18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 17
Dividendi Digjital
470 470 MHz 862 MHz 790 790 MHz
Transmetimet Televizive
392320 MHz 72 MHz
Consequences of WRC-07 decisions Transmetime Televzive
Mobile Pas ASO Source: European Digital Dividend Conference Subjekt i Marreveshjeve midis vendeve fqinje 5 Mars 2008
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 18 18 Digital Dividend Impakti i caktimit te kanaleve 61-69 per sherbimet mobile ne Planin GE06 D per Shqipërinë
AL AL AL AL AL AL AL AL AL AL AL AL 001D 002D 003D 004D 005D 006D 007D 008D 009D 010D 011D 012D
Nr i 8 10 10 8 9 12 9 12 11 16 8 8 allotment Ch 61-69 - 1 2 2 1 2 - 3 1 3 2 2
% - 10 20 25 11 16 - 25 9 18 25 25
Conclusion : 13.6 % of allotments need frequence change There is no time for coordination Alternative: Reduce the nr of coverage from 8 to 7 increasing the spectrum efficiency to maintain the sam nr of programs. (DVB-T2 Aplication) Follow the coordination latter
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 19 Digital Dividend
Existing analogue assignments 28 To be closed by 2015 Existing digital assignments 28 To be closed by 2015 Planned digital assignments (GE-06-D) 19 Subject to coordination with neighbors
CAKTIME ANALOGE EKZISTUESE
CAKTIME NUMERIKE EKZISTUESE
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 20 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting
NCRT has initiated the process of preparing a draft-strategy aiming to ensure a sustainable transfer from analogue to digital broadcasting. In realizing this process, the NCRT is working in close cooperation with the OSCE presence in Albania.
In the framework of this cooperation, an expert from the CSA, France, has evaluated the Albanian audio-visual sector and produced a report stressing the main issues to be addressed in order to have a well-defined strategy.
The key conclusion of the report is that, the ambitious project of transfer to digital broadcasting introduces the need for cooperative relations between the NCRT and the interested groups, operators in particular. European experience shows that the harmonic transfer to digital broadcasting requires a broad consensus between the involved parties, especially during the process of approval of a strategy of common interest.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 21 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting
NCRT has organized, during the period April –June 2008, and December 2008- February 2009 a number of local and national conferences, by inviting all the stakeholders, private operators, state institutions and international organizations, to share with NCRT their comments and opinions concerning with transition to digital system.
After accomplishment of the consultation process, NCRT finished the first draft, which was submitted to all state institutions and other stakeholders concerned with. Approval of Prime Minister Order No 7 of 2.06.2009 "On the establishment of an ad hoc Committee for the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting“, which will be responsible for coordination, monitoring and implementation of this complex process.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 22 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting
On 27.07.2010 is brought out the order no. 159 of Prime Minister which provides for some additions and amendments to the order 77 date 02.06.2009. Concretely, in ad-hoc committee on the strategy of switch-over from analogue to digital broadcasting is included one representative from NCRT.
Based in this order, a Technical Secretariat is established which will support the work of the committee, “composed not less than two experts of the NCRT and Public Radio-Television.
TS Task: “Technical secretariat will propose the best strategies, will perform studies and will handle the all cases which will come out during the work of this committee. This secretariat will prepare and will propose to Committee the work plan and the dead lines for the implementation of strategies”.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 23 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 24 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 25 Transition to Digital Broadcasting and the Need for Administrative and Financial Support
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 26 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting
Strategy was approved by Council of Ministers Decision Nr. 292, dt 02.05.2012 “On approval of strategy of transition from analogue to digital broadcasting”
Main objectives:
Digitalization of the terrestrial analogue networks in the Republic of Albania. Offering additional capacities in order to increase variety and plurality of programs. Introducing new media technologies and services (HD-TV, DVBT-H, interactive services, etc.). Utilizing the digital dividend for other telecommunications services.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 27 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting (Objective)
Immediate objective: “The switch off analogue broadcastings”:
Within 17.06.2015 (GE 06 agreement) ratified by the Albanian Assembly.
To achieve this objective three following components must be implemented:
Digitalization of the terrestrial analogue networks of the public broadcaster. Digitalization of the national private operators’ networks. Digitalization of the terrestrial analogue networks of the existing local operators.
Each component has its own specificity.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 28 Strategy for Conversion to Digital Broadcasting (Objective)
Criteria The minimal digitalization objective shall be the coverage of population with signal, at least at the coverage realised with the analogue technologies by each operator.
ART (Public Broadcaster) covers 73% of the Albanian territory with analogue signal, which corresponds to over 85 % of the population
The coverage objective for the ART digital network at the conclusion of the first phase of digitalization shall be 75 % of the territory and 85 % of the population.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 29 TRANSITION TO DIGITAL BROADCASTING (THE NEW LAW)
The law nr. 97/2013 “On audiovisual media in the Republic of Albania” was approved on March 2013.
Article 136. Full transition to digital broadcasting
1. Final deadline of full transition to digital tv broadcasting is the date 17 June 2015. 2. The maner of transition, respective institutions, financing and all other issues connected to this process are defined in the strategy of conversion from analogue to digital broadcasting, aproved by Council of Ministers. 3. With the entry into force of this law, the issuance of broadcasting licenses for analogue terrestrial television is prohibited.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 30 Usage of Digital plan capacities
Mbulime te planit No. Classification Coverage area No. of MUX-es kombetar 1 National public operator National 2 2 2 Private national operator National 3 3 4 Local Operator 1 Region 1 11 Operators in the city of 5 Tirana City 1 7 Tirana
6 out of 8 layers planned 2 layers left for future developments
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 31 Network Capacities needed to support existing analogue programs
Network Capacities needed to support existing analogue programs
Licensed area Necessary digital networks No. Allotment Total Up to 1 Up to 4 Repetitive National MPEG 2 MPEG 4 region regions
1 Shkodër 7 1 2 4 14 2 Network 1 Network
2 Kukës - 1 - 4 5 1 Network 1 Network
3 Dibër 2 - - 4 6 1 Network 1 Network
4 Lezhë 3 5 - 4 12 2 Networks 1 Network
5 Tiranë 11 16 3 4 34 4 Networks 2 Networks
6 Elbasan 2 7 2 4 15 2 Networks 1 Network
7 Fier 5 5 1 4 15 2 Networks 1 Network
8 Berat 4 1 1 4 10 2 Networks 1 Network
9 Korçë 5 1 - 4 10 2 Networks 1 Network
10 Gjirokastër 4 - 2 4 10 2 Networks 1 Network
11 Vlorë 7 2 3 4 16 2 Networks 1 Network
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 32 Licensing digital networks and the programs in the transitional period
Article 126 Public broadcaster (RTSH) digital broadcasting 1. RTSH-ja, in basis of the contract stipulated with AMA creates, exploits and operates one national digital network to realize digital broadcasting for: a) its own audio and audiovisual free of charge services; b) other services of public nature defined as such by AMA; c) Other broadcaster’s services on the contract basis. 2. The definitions given into point 1 of this article does not prevent RTSH to ask for the creation of a second digital network.
Articlei 70 Aplication for digital network licences 2. Digital network licence is given by an open competition warranting an equa, objective and non discriminatoryl treatment. AMA, with its own iniciative or with the request of interested subjects, open the competition process, taking into consideration the frequency plan and the availability of the free frequencies for digital broadcasting.
Article 139 Licensing digital networks and the programs that rely on them in the transitional period 1.National digital network Licenses : a) AMA defines the number of Private national, regional and local digital licenses and the licensin rules and criteria as defined in the strategy of transition to digital broadcasting;
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 33 Licensing digital networks and the programs in the transitional period
Article 139 Licensing digital networks and the programs that rely on them in the transitional period
Regardless of how is defined in Articles 70 and 71 of this Law, AMA, in accordance with the strategy of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, adopted by the Council of Ministers, conducts licensing private digital networks and programs that rely on them as follows:
1.National digital network Licenses : a) AMA defines the number of Private national, regional and local digital licenses and the licensing rules and criteria as defined in the strategy of transition to digital broadcasting; b) AMA, based on the development of the broadcasting market, determines national historical private operators and existing operators, with experience in digital broadcasting, which will be invited to participate in the selection procedure,for the eligible operator to build a digital network, according to the beauty contest's procedure. AMA, within three months from the entry into force of this Law, makes a public announcement and invites operators to participate in the selection process
Licensing digital networks and the programs in the transitional period
c) applicants to participate in the selection procedure, according to letter b of paragraph 1 of this section, must meet the following conditions: i) the release of frequencies occupied arbitrarily , ifr they operate in such conditions , and migrate to frequencies specified in the Digital Plan ( GE 06 ) , according to the AMA 's specifications , within a time specified in the license ; ii ) each operator will be licensed for one national digital network standard DVB - T2 with MPEG-4 compression. In the license are set deadlines for the transition to DVB - T2 and MPEG - 4 , but not more than three years from the time of licensing ; iii ) supporting local networks operators for programs, according to Article 63 of this law , as well as facility sharing; iv ) ensuring equal access , non-discrimination and transparency ; v ) standardization of conditional access systems for protection from programs harmful to minors ; vi ) the application of innovative and interactive services .
2 . The licensee for digital networks is subject to all requirements specified in this law . 3 . Existing analog national programs continue to be broadcasted free to air even after their transfer on digital platforms.
Alternatives to existing analog operators to be transferred into digjital networks.
Article 139 Licensing digital networks and the programs that rely on them in the transitional period Point 4. Licensing for local or regional digital networks is done by the following procedure: a) all existing analogue local operators have the right to: i) seek the support of their programs in digital public television network or other digital networks, licensed under this law;
ii) jointly apply for a license within a local area planned to be covered by a SFN network, upon the digital frequency plan;
iii) to take part in the competition organized by the AMA for one local digital network license, under the provisions of this law;
Alternatives to existing analog operators to be transferred into digjital networks.
Existing analogue operators: Alternatives for transfer to digital platforms
1. Using public broadcaster digital network (Against payment);
2. Shared funding to build local network;
3. Competition procedure to grant the local license.
It is proposed to be held a final consultation process. Based on the consultation results the exact number of operators which will use ART (public broadcaster) network will be defined.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 37 Transfer of the existing local programs into the Public Broadcaster’s digital platform
The costs of investments for the network 20 % higher. Local operators will pay a differentiated yearly fee (Tirana region vs Kukës region). Local operators will connect their studios with the local head end office using their own funds. Implementation by “Digital Island” approach.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 38 Network Configuration
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 39 Network Configuration
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 40 STRATEGY FOR CONVERTION TO DIGITAL BROADCASTING (Implementation schedule)
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 41 STRATEGY FOR CONVERTION TO DIGITAL BROADCASTING (Implementation schedule)
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 42 Digitalisation of public broadcaster’s network
Public Broadcaster remit is to offer free to air informative, didactic and entertainment programs to the users spread over the country despite their geographic position. Public broadcaster representatives in the technical secretariat insisted that PB should broadcast conditional access programs. Number of “public” programs will be defined after public consultation procedure.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 43 System selection
DVB-T – Consolidated system - Transmitter and set top box prices are diminishing - Spectrum usage not optimal
Digjital Dividendi: Reduces the number of layers from 8 to 7 Alternative: Growth of program number through increasing specctrum usage efficiency. DVB-T2
- expansion of existing standard DVB-T
- increase 30-50% of the spectrum efficiency - Other countries have intensified efforts to implement DVB-T2 (switch off 2) - Set top box prices are going down. Proposal: DVB-T2
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 44 Regulation Ownership Article 63 Programs Own Programs Own
Licensing digital networks and the programs
rrjetit Prog të zotëruesit të
Prog Prog in the transitional period
Audioviziv Audioviziv Up to 60 % Up to 60 % Prog Audio
Digital 2 Network Prog Audio Digital 1 Network Prog Audio
Prog Prog 100 100 % 100 % Audioviziv Audioviziv
Oshma të tjerë Oshma të tjerë
Up to 40 % Prog Audioviziv Up to 40 %
Prog Prog Audioviziv Audioviziv Prog Audio Prog Audio
Programsthe of Programsthe of other broadcasters other broadcasters other broadcasters
Transferimi i programeve lokale ekzistuese ne platformen digitale te Transmetuesve Publik Transferimi i programeve lokale ekzistuese ne platformen digitale te Transmetuesve Publik
KOPLIK
Linja e Op lokal
SHKODER Linja e Op lokal PUKE Grafiku i ndërtimit të ishujve numerike Action Plan
Institucioni/et përgjegjës Nr Çështja Kostimi Fillimi Mbarimi Zbatuesi Kush e ndjek
a b 1 2 3 4 5 Propozimi i Strategjisë së Kalimit në Komiteti Dhjetor 1 transmetimet Numerike nga Komisioni ad - MITIK ad hoc 2011 hoc Miratimi i Strategjisë së Kalimit në Këshilli i Komiteti ad Dhjetor 2 Transmetimet numerike në Këshillin e - Ministrave hoc 2011 Ministrave. Miratimi i 1. Strategjisë së Kalimit në transmetimet Dhjetor 3 Numerike; dhe - Kuvendi 2011 2. i ligjit “Për Mediat Audiovizive në territorin e Shqipërisë”. Miratimi i Rregullores së licencimit/autorizimit të shërbimeve Komiteti i ri Mars 4 - KKRT audiovizive, rrjeteve ku mbështeten këto ad hoc 2012 shërbime, si dhe shërbimet e tjera.
18/02/2014 Pirro Koçi - NCRT 49