Digital broadcasting

The Digital Broadcasting is one of the five regional initiatives that came out of the Arab regional preparatory meeting conducted in Damascus, 2010 and approved by WTDC-10 in Hyderabad. 

Objective:
To assist ITU Member States in making the gradual transition from analogue to digital broadcasting so that they may enjoy the benefits of digital broadcasting technologies, particularly visual broadcasting via mobile equipment.

 Expected results
1) Harnessing the benefits of digital broadcasting applications in the Arab region
2) Establishment of the requisite regulatory policies and frameworks
3) Support to parties concerned in the field of interactive multimedia services and applications in the Arab region
4)  Human resources development.

 
Assistance to Member States in the Arab Region in making the gradual transition from analogue to digital broadcasting began in 2011.  It started by gathering information on the status of the Digital broadcasting in the Arab countries, drafting a concept note and building a strong partnership with the key players in the digital transition in the Arab region such as the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) of League of Arab States.

Following development of a road map for digital television transition in the Arab Region in 2012, many activities and meetings have taken place within the region through workshops, forums, and the Centre of Excellence network.

In parallel, direct assistance to develop a roadmap for digital transition is being provided to several Arab States, including Lebanon, Sudan, Mauritania and Palestine.