Prepared by Engineer Emil BLAKAJ and Engineer Elton POGA (Radio-frequency planning experts)

Transcription

1 IMC Project (14 26 September), supported by IREX to the benefit of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), to anticipate the process of transferring digital technology Report On the technical analysis of the numerical plan approved for Kosovo in Geneva, Switzerland 2006, new proposed plan, notification methods and recognition of the new plan as well as references for the strategy document on development of radio and television sector in Kosovo. Prepared by Engineer Emil BLAKAJ and Engineer Elton POGA (Radio-frequency planning experts) Engineer Besim GOVORI (Head of the Technical Division in IMC) and Engineer Besim Rexhepi (Specialist in the Technical Division of IMC) assisted in providing the technical data and measurements in the field; Kosovo, September

2 Table of content: Introduction 1. The Geneva 06 Agreement... 3 Introduction Results on the regional conference on Kosovo Technical analysis of the approved plan Realistic situation of the television service in the territory of Kosovo Proposals on amending the approved plan Ascertainments and recommendations Presentation of the proposed plan to the International Telecommunications Union Problems and discrepancies of the approved plan Presentation to the ITU of the new plan as well as realistic opportunities for changing the approved plan within the frames of the agreement Opportunities and the way ahead towards recognition of the new plan Development policy and strategic document Introduction Document content Public consulting System description Standardization Legal aspects Program aspects Economic aspect Promotion of the process towards digitalization Regional coordination Introduction New frequencies part of the new numerical plan Coordination opportunities with neighboring countries Recommendations Recommendations and databases to be used by the IMC during this process International references used in this document

3 1. The Geneva 06 Agreement Introduction From the 10 to 28 May 2004, in Geneva, Switzerland first session of the Regional Telecommunication Conference was held on the planning of terrestrial digital broadcasting services in the parts of the Regions 1 and 3, on frequency bands MHz and MHz. A Resolution COM5/2 (RRC-04) was approved in this session, through which it is recommended to the Council to change the Resolution 1185 (amended, 2003) with the intention of convening the second session of the RRC. In 2004 session, the Council decided through the Resolution 1224 that the second session of RRC is to be convened in Geneva from the 15 th of May through to 16 th of June, as well as it decided about the agenda. The agenda, dates and venue of the conference were approved by the required majority of the Member States of the International Telecommunications Union from the planning field. RRC-06 convened in Geneva in the envisaged period and worked on the basis of the approved agenda by the Council. The Council approved the Regional Agreement regarding planning terrestrial digital television broadcasting service in the Region 1 (Parts of the Region 1 which is situated to the west of meridian 170 E and north to the parallel 40 S, except for the Mongolian territory) as well as in the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the frequency bands MHz and MHz (Geneva, 2000), as well as respective Resolutions that are in the Final Acts of the Agreement. Frequency coordination process for this intention lasted for 2 years, after an intensive work between the regional countries which according to a set graph carried out a number of one and multi-party meetings to get to concrete results until the RRC-06 conference convenes. During all this important process for development and guarantee of television numerical services on the landline was represented by the Republic of Serbia (at that time it did have the index, and later after separation from Montenegro it took the index SRB), as it is internationally a member state of the ITU with full rights. In all the meetings conducted with the regional countries from the period of May 2004 until May 2006, the administration of Serbia was responsible for setting the technical features for the service area (allotment) and assigning frequencies (assignment) for the territory of Kosovo. 1.1 Results of the regional conference for Kosovo Below is the presentation of technical features and channels reserved for Kosovo, data which are found in the annexes of Geneva 06 Agreement signed by the ITU member countries that took part in this process. The entire territory of Kosovo was set as one service area (allotment), as you may see from the below given illustration and the test point they have set the boundaries of this area. In the planning numerical radio services T-DAB on the VHF frequency band as well as television numerical services DVB-T on VHF and UHF frequency bands were considered. For television service DVB-T one channel was reserved on the VHF band and 7 channels on the UHF band. Allotment dimensions are the same for both frequency bands. The following are the detailed technical specifications. 3

4 u Allotment (service area) + Assignment (frequency setting); Li Allotment setting point (Test Points); TP1 21 E9'46' 42 N49'58' TP2 21 E37'30' 42 N15'20' TP3 21 E27'16' 42 N17'30' TP4 21 E21'4' 42 N14'0' TP5 21 E17'39' 42 N9'22' TP6 21 E17'34' 42 N6'37' TP7 21 E13'47' 42 N6'47' TP8 21 E10'43' 42 N12'43' TP9 21 E5'15' 42 N13'2' TP10 20 E46'14' 42 N5'16' TP11 20 E43'36' 41 N59'12' TP12 20 E45'4' 41 N55'29' TP13 20 E37'8' 41 N52'19' TP14 20 E38'27' 41 N57'55' TP15 20 E32'15' 42 N13'16' TP16 20 E20'57' 42 N20'28' TP17 20 E16'0' 42 N20'19' TP18 20 E12'30' 42 N29'12' TP19 20 E4'16' 42 N34'11' TP20 20 E22'9' 42 N33'54' u Allotment and assignment service area technical specifications 4

5 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 122 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR122 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (reference network) RN1 Reserved channel 21 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 2 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 21 DT1 unique identification GOLES 2 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 21 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 127 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR127 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (reference network) RN1 Reserved channel 31 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 7 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 31 DT1 unique identification GOLES 7 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 31 5

6 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 123 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR123 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (reference network) RN1 Reserved channel 44 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 3 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 44 DT1 unique identification GOLES 3 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 44 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 124 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR124 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (reference network) RN1 Reserved channel 46 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 4 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 46 DT1 unique identification GOLES 4 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 46 6

7 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 125 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR125 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (reference network) RN1 Reserved channel 48 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 5 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 48 DT1 unique identification GOLES 5 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 48 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 126 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR126 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (network reference) RN1 Reserved channel 58 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 6 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 58 DT1 unique identification GOLES 6 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 58 7

8 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 128 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR128 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (reference network) RN1 Reserved channel 67 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 8 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 67 DT1 unique identification GOLES 8 ERP (dbw) 40 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 67 DT2 unique identification SRBIJA 21 Allotment name KOSOVO I METOHIJA Allotment ID SR21 RPC (type of reception) RPC2 RN (reference network) RN1 Reserved channel 7 DT1 unique identification GOLES 1 ERP (dbw) 34 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 7 DT1 unique identification CVILJEN 1 ERP (dbw) 33 Antenna diagram ND Reserved channel 7 u For T-DAB radio service town blocks have been booked from the channels on the VHF band. The following are the detailed technical specifications: 8

9 u Allotment setting points (Test Points); TP1 20 E22'38' 42 N46'7' TP2 21 E10'2' 42 N49'49' TP3 21 E24'8' 42 N16'12' TP4 21 E5'24' 42 N13'17' TP5 20 E40'14' 42 N4'53' TP6 20 E40'30' 41 N53'53' TP7 20 E31'54' 42 N16'12' TP8 20 E4'6' 42 N34'48' TP9 20 E1'56' 42 N42'8' TP10 20 E4'30' 42 N47'1' TP E13'46' 42 N45'8' u Service area (allotment) and frequency setting (assignment) technical specifications DS2 unique identification SRBIJA 14 Allotment name CVILJEN Allotment ID SR14 RPC (type of reception) RPC4 RN (reference network) RN5 Reserved channel 11B DS2 unique identification SRBIJA 6 Allotment name CVILJEN Allotment ID SR6 RPC (type of reception) RPC4 RN (reference network) RN5 Reserved channel 12D In a summarizing way the channels that will be used for numerical landline radio and television service in Kosovo which shall be; Kanali i planifikuara ne brezin VHF per sherbimin DVB-T 7 Planned channels for VHF band for T-DAB service Planned channels for UHF band for DVB-T service B 12D 10 frequencies have been reserved in total for Kosovo. 9

10 1.2 Technical analysis of the approved plan The following technical analysis will be focusing on important details and argument that prove incompatibility of this approved plan with the realistic situation in Kosovo. Allotment and Assignment, During the planning process, Serb administration has set all technical parameters related to the planning process. The most important element that directly related with the planning zone was considered to be determining the allotment boundaries. Virtually every administration that manages frequency bands in their respective territories, dependent on the transmission point s position, signal coverage, networks synchronization and international coordination, it determined the boundaries of every allotment. According to ITU recommendations, networks are divided in categories, which theoretically determine the dimension and size of the allotment for the functioning of transmission points, as well as set technical parameters related to the maximum power of transmission referred to the classification of signal receipt. Taking into consideration the base principal of this agreement and frequency coordination philosophy between the neighboring countries, the equal access opportunity was the basis of this process. Which means that states were recommended to choose approximately same allotment dimensions in the territories near their neighboring countries, in order to make the implementation of this condition possible for equal division of frequency number. In Annex 3.6 of the Geneva 06 Agreement final acts, reference networks are described through the selection opportunity by every administration. Setting technical parameters of frequency assignment according to this agreement should provide desired coverage at every service area location. Below given is the planning zone reserved for Kosovo and other parameters determined by the administration of the Republic of Serbia. 10

11 Allotment area is 5755 km 2 Allotment dimensions set in the approved plan. Whereas Kosovo area is km 2 Kosovo Area 11

12 Planning area left out from the Kosovo territory (presented in blue color) About 48 % of the territory of Kosovo was left outside the planning zone, thus set to the service area of the neighboring country, so they have been considered as parts of the territory of the Republic of Serbia. There are two frequency assignments determined in the approved allotment. Transmission points in Golesh and Cviljen. Their respective power set by the administration of the Republic of Serbia is 40 dbw. Whilst according to the technical parameters set in the final acts of Geneva Agreement 06, the transmission power must be 49.7 dbw, thus 10 times stronger than the one set in the approved plan. 12

13 According to radio-electrical calculations with the engineering software, coverage conducted from this transmission points with the parameters set by the Serbian administration is roughly; Li Allotment coverage 28.5 % (referred to the territory) U Coverage of Kosovo territory 16.1 % (referred to the territory) Calculation of signal coverage 13

14 If we refer to the actual use of these transmission points, they do not match with the realistic situation of their usage. Virtually the transmission points in Cviljen and Golesh are not used for transmission of television programs. Those are used by KFOR. Below given are extracts from the respective annexes of the final acts that represent data on the allotment and determining the network reference. Allotment parameters RPC and type of reception RPC 1 static antenna External portative and mobile RPC 2 RPC 3 internal portative Type of network Open Open Open Service area geometry Hexagonal Hexagonal Hexagonal Number of transmitter Transmitter s geometry Hexagonal Hexagonal Hexagonal Distance between the transmitters d (km) Service area diameter D (km) Tx effective antenna height (m) Tx antenna diagram Not directed Not directed Not directed e.r.p.* (dbw) Band III Bands IV/V e.r.p. was given for 200 MHz on the band III and 650 MHz of bands IV/V; for other frequencies (f on MHz) frequency rectification factor to be added is: 20 log10 (f/200 or f/650) per RPC 1 and 30 log10 (f/200 or f/650) per RPC 2 and RPC 3. * The value of e.r.p. shown in this table contains and additional strength of 3 db. Technical characteristics of the reference network RN1 (Reception RPC2) 14

15 1.3 Realistic situation of the television service in the territory of Kosovo Kosovo transmission network for television services is comprised of key transmission points (high altitude points), on which a considerable power of radiation is installed onto, as well on the other points that serve for providing respective local media product. There are 20 transmission points in total. Key transmission points are used only by the televisions with national coverage license. Following is the presentation of the respective transmission points of television signal; No Transmitting site Coordinates (WGS84, dmd system) Altitude above sea level (m) 1 Çernushe Main transmitting site 2 Vreshta Regional transmitting site 3 Zatriq Main transmitting site 4 Maja e gjelber Main transmitting site 5 Kranidell Main transmitting site 6 Zym Regional transmitting site 7 Gjakove Local transmitting site 8 Peje Local transmitting site 9 Prizren Local transmitting site 10 Leshak Regional transmitting site 11 Zvecan Local transmitting site 12 Leposaviç Regional transmitting site 13 Gjilan Local transmitting site 14 Ferizaj Local transmitting site 15 Gornje Kushce Local transmitting site 16 Koliq Main transmitting site 17 Graçanica Local transmitting site 18 Piribreg Regional transmitting site 19 Grançar Local transmitting site 20 Çermjan Local transmitting site Notes * - Golesh transmission point is the most important point for radio and television broadcasting in Kosovo. Currently this point is only servicing on Radio FM broadcasting. At all transmission points presented in the above-given table, there is a necessary infrastructure for installation of transmission equipment and radiation antennas. In the following illustration presented on the map are the sites of all transmission points in the territory of Kosovo. According to respective vectors presented on the map, vectors indicating specifically boundaries of the allotment approved in the international plan, as well as Kosovo territory, transmission points left outside the planning zone can also be seen. There are 10 transmission points in total. The whole transmission network covers about 78 % of the country s territory, a territory whereby about 96 % of the Kosovo population lives. 15

16 Transmission points in the local network in the Kosovo territory 1.4 Proposals to change the approved plan Considering the technical problems that are related to the approved plan and materialized in the ITU agreement, the problems impeding meeting Kosovo requirements, below given is a realistic and technically acceptable plan, but not limited to, technical specification of the service area and frequency assignment, coverage accomplished in the service area, single frequency network synchronization etc. Knowing the transmission network in Kosovo, sites of the transmission points, land configuration, coverage of transmission points etc, following is the new division of service area that is proposed, a division that puts in harmony all parameters mentioned in this paragraph. Respectively Kosovo territory is divided in 3 service areas (allotments) with reference network RN2. Allotments and transmission points are; u Anamorava 7 transmission points u Dukagjini 6 transmission points u Rrafshi i Kosoves 7 transmission points Respective territory coverage is conducted from these points; u Anamorava 85 % u Dukagjini 79 % u Rrafshi i Kosoves 81 % 16

17 u Anamorava Allotment Allotment division Transmission points Allotment integral parts are; No Transmitting site Coordinates (WGS84, dmd system) Altitude above sea level (m) 1 Maja e gjelber Kranidell Gjilan Ferizaj Gornje Kushce Piribreg

18 u Dukagjini Allotment Transmission points Allotment division Allotment integral parts are; Coordinates Altitude above sea level No Transmitting site (WGS84, dmd system) (m) 1 Zatriq Zym Peje Prizren Grançar Çermjan

19 u Fushe Kosove Allotment Allotment comprises of the following transmission points; Coordinates Altitude above sea level No Transmitting site (WGS84, dmd system) (m) 1 Çernushe Vreshta Leshak Zvecan Leposaviç Koliq Graçanica

20 1.5 Ascertainments and recommendations The analysis of the compatibility of the approved plan at the ITU with the realistic situation in Kosovo showed the unacceptability of this approved plan. Main noticed problems are; u Lack of compliance with the service area (allotment) dimensions selected by the Republic of Serbia with the territory of the Republic of Kosovo. Half of the territory was left outside Kosovo, thus being considered part of Serbia. u Selected transmission points (assignments) do not match with the realistic situation of Kosovo transmission service. u Technical parameters selected for these transmission points do not match with the technical parameters set by the ITU itself. u Coverage accomplished by these frequency assignments does not accomplish even the minimum acceptable values. Taking into consideration these ascertainments, it is recommended that after revisiting the new proposed plan in this document, the IMC with its authority should start the consultancy work for acceptance of this new plan and presentation to the respective state institutions (Ministry of Telecommunications). It is recommended through the meetings between two and more parties with the neighboring regional countries discuss and argument the new plan as well as the need for it, by finding the opportunity of getting to regional consensus. Assigned frequencies for every allotment part of the new plan will be presented in the following material. 2 0

21 2. Presentation of the proposed plan to the World Telecommunications Union 2.1 Problems and discrepancies of the approved plan International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is an international organism established to standardize telecommunications internationally. One of the key aims is to standardize, assign and harmonize the frequency spectrum. Starting from this, ITU is responsible for making international agreements for coordination of frequency bands, finalization and setting coordinated frequency plans as well as continuous improvement within the agreement frames. Considering the discrepancies of the frequency plan set and finalized in the Geneva 06 agreement, the IMC is recommended to start the work to improve the approved plan with the new proposed plan. ITU through an agreement signed by all the member states, in the certain article which will be elaborated further on, allows for improvement of the already approved plan. But being a complex consensus process, and after a long inter-regional coordination, finalized in the respective plans and agreements, a serious expertise would be needed and convincing representation to the respective institutions to present the problems related to this approved plan. All elements of the approved plan (allotment, assignment etc) have essential problems, that cannot meet technical requirements of this plan itself, the same way they do not meet program or service requirements that would be based on this plan. If regional coordination is reached with a wide consensus, revision of Kosovo s case may implicate again the methodology of calculation for the revision of the plan, of course always respecting the framework agreement signed by all member states. 2.2 Presentation to the ITU of the new plan and real opportunities of amending the approved plan within the agreement According to Article 4 of Geneva 06 Agreement, (Procedure on modifying plans as well as the procedure for coordination of other primary landline services), there is a real opportunity of improving this newly presented plan. Nevertheless, within the limits of knowing the legal terms, our interpretation is based on the technical aspect without wanting to rephrase or modify the meaning that could be interpreted in various ways. Nevertheless, to get a full picture of the process to be followed, we must address to the respective legal staff, Article 4 of the Geneva 06 Agreement to be fully presented. In the respective annex complete GE06 Agreement is provided. 2.3 Opportunities and the way ahead towards getting to know the new plan Being an international institution, the ITU requires consensus of member states for modification and assigning new frequency plans in the region. Standard and bureaucratic procedures are applied in the implementation of the previous agreements. 21

22 Considering the direct impact to the region, international involvement and the work to achieve concrete results, the results which would ensure development towards the future of numerical service, role of national actors but international as well will be determining to the final achievement. The deadline for moving to a new numerical technology will be 2015, after which year ITU member states will not permit analogue services anymore on the landline on VHF and UHF frequency bands. Recognized authority of the Kosovo state is the Ministry of Telecommunications which is recommended to soon start administrative procedures to be a member with full rights in the ITU. After this only can the negotiations take place with member states as well as find the common consensus to modify plans. 3. Policy and Strategic Development Document Introduction Moving from analogue radio-television broadcasting to those numerical which has been set as a priority process in all European countries, whether part of the European Union or not, is a widely affecting process to the whole society. Therefore, to successfully accomplish this transfer it is necessary to mobile users of audio visual services themselves, industry, network operators, content providers, public institutions and authorities and the whole society. The Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo for moving from analogue to numerical services is a document addressing to societal elements, as described above, actively or passively, directly or indirectly have been included in the move to the numerical system. The aim of this policy document must be the shift from analogue to numerical broadcasting, through timely information and preparation of all stakeholders, aiming to fully and effectively implement it as well as getting as much positive results from this transition. As today s society is based on advanced electronic communications, the request for radio frequency is ever-increasing. The frequency spectrum is a primary support element of all electronic communications, irrespective whether it includes mobile telephone, wireless internet or radio-television broadcasting. Rapid changes to the technology in the field of media, rise the need to update the applicable legislation in compliance with best European standards and practices in this field, in order to serve as a powerful stimulus to undertake drafting of such a document, with the intention of making long-term environment and vision of regulatory approaches regarding the digitalization process. 22

23 3.1 Document substance The strategy of shifting from analogue to numerical system must envisage main objectives and principles of shifting, must formulate the role of the state and respective structures of state administration in establishing conditions of moving to numerical system, assessment of current technical and legal situation of the audio-visual environment in Kosovo, as well as set steps, procedures and timelines of shifting within Numerical transmissions will increase the sphere of services provided to public, they will expand the sphere of user s open choice as well as would provide a wider access to the Information Society services, which social and economic implications of this process are very important. The document must take into account benefits of shifting to numerical system as well as instruction, conclusions, recommendations and different debates conducted in the European Union on the values and benefits that provides shift to the numerical system. The strategy must be focused in setting ways and phases that would be followed while moving to the numerical system, undertaking legal, functional and technical steps which would accompany it as well as the need to cooperate and coordinate will all the stakeholders. Determination or regulatory instruments must be an element of this document in a special way as far as public political interferences (e.g. information campaigns for clients or setting the role of the public television in the digitalization process); regulatory measures of financial support mechanisms. 3.2 Public counseling Shifting to the numerical system represents a very important development for both operators and the public, the success of which is dependent from the ability of the institutions to accompany this movement and coordinate its different stakeholders. Successful accomplishment and moving to the complete digital system above all requires cooperation. All this important process cannot be accomplished by a single institution, but instead it should involve a wide environment of partners whereby including state structures, legislative, executive, non-government organizations in the field of media, operators as well as the citizens and clients. Providing, ideas, opinions and different recommendations by the interested actors, mainly by the radio-television operators is considered a real contribution and assistance in setting steps which the process is to follow. Through this process, counseling is to be identified as well as determine most optimum ways of cooperation with the operators, as key actors in this process in building local, regional and national platforms, whereby priority would be given to the existing programs and after them new general programs or with certain thematic area according to market demands and audience preferences. The main condition is the acquaintance with the technology and functioning of the numerical system, accompanied with investment and respective costs according to the network type that will be built. Contributions provided by all stakeholders will be an important part of this strategic document in moving to numerical system by including also experiences of the countries that are ahead in this process as well as best European standards and practices in this field. 23

24 It must be emphasized that the public counseling is a process that does not end with the approval of this document, but instead would need to continue during the whole transitional phase of moving to numerical system, as an efficient instrument in function of taking into consideration all actors and stakeholders being part of this process. 3.3 System description Numerical landline TV broadcasting network is the entirety of transmitting plants that covers a certain territory (coverage area) from 1 to a number of programs (dependent on the method of encoding), that are broadcasted in a same way and simultaneously. Inclusion of numerical technology will bring the below given advantages: if' New services and products (additional channels, platforms, interactive services). As additional services could be mentioned: EPG (electronic program Guide), Pay TV, VOD (Video On Demand), NVOD, (Near Video On Demand) local interactivity, interactive applications, etc. if' Improvement of market parameters (enhancement of capacity decreases the cost). ibenefit to the public (improvement of spectrum administration, increase in competitiveness) With the inclusion of numerical technology the market stakeholders would be; u Content provider u Network provider u Services provider u Users Diversification of various offers (contents, service and network) provides for a narrow specialization of operators for every of the described functions, by increasing the quality and by strengthening the competition. In a brief description for every actor, it would create a clear picture over their role and functional interdependency of everyone. Content providers are radio and television operators that offer their dedicated product to end users. The end user s access opportunity depends on the regulatory authority and radio-television operator itself. 24

25 Service providers are private entities that provide program services dedicated to public in single programs or bunch of dedicated programs (films or sport, or other program areas, VOD, NVOD etc). End users access in most of the cases is conditional. Network providers are operators that build and maintain transmission network and multiplicity service. Contractual relations between the network provider and program and services providers is regulated with the law, in order to provide equality and nondiscrimination in the terms of service and relevant costs to be paid. End users consist of landline numerical receivers (Set top box, STB) which are dependent on the encoding and transmission system which must be standardized to give way for development. 3.4 Standardization The complexity of functioning in general of the landline numerical television (DVB-T) entails problem areas and terms to be determined to ensure standardization in the important process of moving towards new technology. Opportunities provided for different transmission techniques on a single frequency synchronized networks (SFN) or multi-frequency networks (MFN), as well as the opportunities in the play-out centers (multiplexer), require careful handling of choosing technical parameters to ensure standard to the benefit of the consumer. Rapid technology development provides new techniques every day which affect the consumer directly. Thus the selection and up-keeping the standards is on of the main regulatory processes that provide for the proper development opportunity to the benefit of everybody. Below-given are all the chain links that require determination and regulation in the development strategy document; Li Live transmission system option According to final acts of the Geneva 06 agreement, transmission system options selected for planning provide the flexibility of selection between the sizes of service areas against the information quantity being transmitted. Dependent on the option chosen, the number of programs is directly determined that are provided technically in a single broadcasting frequency. On the below given table presented are system options for selection. System option determiner Module selection Code rate Net bit flux (Mbit/s) For various observation intervals (GI) GI=1/4 GI=1/8 GI=1/16 GI=1/32 Option 8 MHz A1 QPSK 1/ A2 QPSK 2/ A3 QPSK 3/ A5 QPSK 5/ A7 QPSK 7/ B1 16-QAM 1/

26 B2 16-QAM 2/ B3 16-QAM 3/ B5 16-QAM 5/ B7 16-QAM 7/ C1 64-QAM 1/ C2 64-QAM 2/ C3 64-QAM 3/ C5 64-QAM 5/ C7 64-QAM 7/ All these data are referred to the DVB-T standard. According to recent researches and improvement, the DVB-T2 standard started the experimentation phase in many countries of the world. Advantages are related to the flux of information that is provided in a single transmission channel on the 8 MHz width. This innovation improves the technique of setting module which is 128 QAM. The flux increase is considered to be about % more than known and standardized systems. Selection of protection interval in one transmission option directly affects the size of flux of data and size of coverage area. Which means the longer the protection interval the larger coverage area but the flux being broadcasted gets reduced. The opposite allows for a smaller flux of data but the coverage area increases. In this case selection of transmission standard is dependent only on the main standard DVB-T or DVB-T2. u Multiplexity The most important parameter in the numerical system which is directly related to the quality of picture and voice is the method of compressing signals, picture and voice. One of the best known compressing or encoding systems of picture and voice signals is MPEG-2. Development of new encoding techniques has lately brought the technique of MPEG-4 which enables high quality of compression by using lower flux of data compared to the MPEG-2 system. All picture and voice information compression standards use two systems of transmission, SD (Standard definition) and HD (High Definition). Selection of compression standard is one of the base parameters of implementing new numerical technology. This is directly linked to the receipt of information in order to decode them by the end user. Set top box (STB) equipment must have same capability for receiving and decoding information being transmitted. 3.5 Legal aspects It is understood that this whole important process of implementing this new technology in essence changes the current philosophy of transmission in the analogue technology; it must be accompanied with respective legal support. Below we are presenting a brief description of guidance of European regulatory framework. u European regulatory framework 26

27 Regulatory framework of the European Union (EU) for this sector is found in several directives: Directive 2002/21/EC Directive 2002/20/EC Directive 2002/19/EC Directive 2002/21/EC Directive 2002/22/EC Directive 2007/11/12 EC On General Framework of Electronic Communications Networks and Services On the authorization of electronic communications networks and services. (Directive on the Authorization) On access and interface of electronic communication networks and services related to it. (Directive on Access) On a common framework... (Framework Directive) On the universal service and user s rights related to the electronic communications networks and services. (Directive on Universal Service)) AVMSD The bellow given EU document also provides relevant directives: ( Decision No. 676/2002/EC Decision on Radio Spectrum. ( COM (2003)54 1 September 2003 on detailed evaluation of impacts from moving from analogue to numerical transmissions. ( Action Plan eeurope2005: an information society for everyone. u European policies and strategic orientation The European Union audio-visual policy sets the modality of moving from analogue to numerical transmission. Different communiqués issued by the European Commission have been leading the development of regulatory aspects and have provided strategic guidance: a. On the national plain A. An opportunity must be provided for the new services to be developed the way market demands and that the Government must not try and impose artificially probable success of different technologies. B. There must not be unnecessary obstacles as far as widening the range, variety and quality of programs from which listeners and viewers choose to follow. b. On the European plain COM (2003) 541 dated September 2003, sets strategic guidance of the European Commission on the process of shifting from analogue to numerical transmissions and is specifically built to help measures that countries will be undertaking to achieve uniformity in implementing the law, according to EU laws as well as facilitation of the moving through markets of the countries. This document recognizes the fat that the numerical transmissions are a reality in the markets of many EU countries and that the majority of these countries have started aligning regulatory measures regarding this sector. The overall strategic objective of the European Commission is to encourage such policies of shifting in order to: speed up initiatives of numerical transmission services...by keeping at the same time interests of the citizens and principles of fair competition This objective is further confirmed by the Directive 2002/2 1/EC on the joint regulatory framework on electronic communications networks and services (Directive of Framework Regulator) which whilst encourages neutral technological regulation, does not exclude undertaking of balanced steps to promote certain services in those cases when such thing is justified and especially with the case of numerical television as a mean of 27

28 increasing the frequency spectrum efficiency. The European Commission assesses that this process may last for a long period of time that could vary from 5 to 8 years for TV. This document also takes into consideration the need to give priority to: ( Free market initiative; and (Technology neutral regulation The communication emphasizes that the consumers and users must be at the center of every strategy of moving from towards numerical transmission and that the strategy must be to the services of widest possible spectrum of udders including those with sufficient financial resources as well as those with special needs. Also on the 24 th of May 2005 the European Commission approved a communiqué of the Commission of the Council, European Parliament, European Social and Economic Committee and Committee on Regions on accelerating the transition from analogue to numerical transmission. Based on this communiqué, the Council invites EU member states, to among other things, complete the transition from the analogue to numerical landline television broadcasting before the end of 2012 and ensure that political interference is transparent, justified, suitable, timely implemented and non-discriminatory. 3.6 Program aspects Increase of radio-television range of programs must be accompanied with the preservation and promotion of national culture. Cultural diversity and media pluralism must lead the process of transition to numerical transmissions. Primary objective must remain regulation with the law that would support the idea of building numerical networks from the existing radio-television operators, whereby IMC will be the main actor in determining the program package that can be and should be transmitted on a numerical network. In the process of numerical transition, a special attention is to be given to the measures ensuring support of public transmitter s services and measures of keeping media pluralism. In any case, measures taken must serve to the client s interests so that they can take these programs without having financial burden on them, independent on the distribution method. 28

29 An important factor to the success of transiting to the numerical transmission during the whole process is in making available the necessary equipment to be able to get the program substance. 3.7 Economic aspect Shifting to the new numerical system will entail respective costs that are related to the transmission system, so numerical networks operators, as well as the operators producing radio and television information, whilst on the other hand the cost of getting this information which are the STB equipment that will be used by the end users. The strategy document must consider everything economically everything related to this process, with the stakeholders specifically during the transitory process of moving to the new technology, by including all stakeholders including the public, whereby the cost would evidence advantages and new services of this new system. Economic impact is very important for all actors mentioned in the digitalization process (network providers, program providers and end-users). 3.8 Digitalization process promotion Key objective is to inform citizens, radio television operators, equipment manufacturers and all other stakeholders on the digitalization process by emphasizing reasons, the nature of numerical television, its importance, benefits and the method of transiting to this new technology. In order to have success during this process it is very important to transmit necessary information through organization of campaigns of public awareness over the process. 4. Regional coordination Introduction The new numerical plan being proposed for the territory of Kosovo, a plan which is technically suited to the realistic conditions in Kosovo, and at the same time it meets the demands for numerical networks, it necessarily requires regional acceptance and wider. In the philosophy of ITU functioning, regarding every change to the approved plan, new entering in the existing plans or any other action which is considered as a change from the finalized part requires a wide consensus of acceptance from all the affected participatory parties from the theoretic coordination boundaries. Considering the above-mentioned, first and important step we would put inline of starting the work to coordinate this plan with the countries that are realistically affected by the interventions to the RF, which by all means required a preliminary coordination. Regional neighboring countries through institutional cooperation this plan must be presented to as well as note and argument technically all selected parameters related to the service area and frequency assignment in the respective area. 29

30 4.1 New frequencies for Kosovo, part of the new numeric plan. Selection of these new frequencies is mainly based on the service area (allotment), by considering data from the approved plan GE06 (for neighboring countries only), as well as frequency assigning to the current Kosovo network. Further technical analysis with the neighboring countries would enable regional acceptance of this plan. In selecting these frequencies principle of equal access was implemented to radio frequency spectrum between the neighboring countries. In the below-given table, provided are transmission channels identified as free for every allotment. After field survey carried out lately in the whole of Kosovo, no numerical signal was identified coming from any neighboring country. Only programs on analogue technology were identified. Channels selected for the new plan are as given below; There are 21 frequencies in total for the whole territory of Kosovo (7 national networks). Dependent on the policy document and strategic development and realistic request for frequency and program operator and program services, the planning for distribution of frequency band shall take place, thus for selected channels. Combination of these provides for scenarios of various distributions between national, regional or local operators. 4.2 Coordination opportunities with neighboring countries. Selected frequencies for this plan must be preliminarily coordinated with the regional countries. Calculation methodology was based on ITU recommendations as well as database used from Geneva 06. So that all the regional countries after being presented this plan are recommended to provide their technical opinions in order to find a consensus for approving this plan as well as for international coordination. 4.3 Recommendations. With this database, IMC is recommended to start the consultation process and concrete work in recognizing this new plan for numerical television service on landline for the Republic of Kosovo. After recognition and approval in principal of this plan, technical working groups through one and multiparty meetings shall discuss and find technical solutions for the approval of this plan. 30

31 5. Ascertainment, recommendations and database to be used by the IMC during this process. The compatibility analysis of the approved plan by the ITU with the realistic situation in Kosovo showed unacceptability of the approved plan. Key noted problems are; u Discrepancy of service area dimensions (allotment) chosen by the Republic of Serbia in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo. Half of the territory was left outside Kosovo thus was considered as part of Serbia. u Selected transmission points (assignments) do not match with the realistic situation of the transmission network in Kosovo. u Selected technical parameters for these transmission points do not match with the technical parameters of the ITU. u Coverage provided from these frequency assignment does not get even minimum acceptable values. Taking into account these ascertainments, it is recommended that after the new plan is reviewed as proposed in this document, the IMC with its authority should start consultation work for acceptance of this new plan and present it to the respective state institutions (Ministry of Telecommunications). It is recommended that through meetings with two or more parties with the neighboring regional countries to discuss and argument the new plan and the need for the same by finding the way of reaching regional consensus. IMC is recommended to start the work in coordinating the new plan, initially at the regional level and later on a wider international level of course through the ITU. IMC is recommended to start the work for drafting and completing policy document and the strategy of developing radio-television section. During this process it is recommended to establish inter-institutional working groups involving all stakeholders as well as make public aware on the new numerical technology. 31

32 6. International references used in this document ITU Recommendations Rec. ITU-R BT (Planning criteria for digital terrestrial television services in the VHF/UHF) Rec. ITU-R P (Method for point-to-area predictions for terrestrial services in the frequency range 30 MHz to MHz) International agreements Geneva 06 (Agreement for planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service in parts of Regions 1 and 3, in the frequency bands MHz and MHz) Software ICS Telecom (Radio frequency planning software, V ) Antios (Antenna software, V 2.22) TerRaQ (ITU software, V2, 2006) RRC06 Planning Interface V Editions ITU Recommendations (March 2005 Edition) Radio Regulations (2004 Edition) 32