Archived Newsroom • Press Release |
|
Digital broadcasting to enhance TV and Internet access
ITU Guidelines for digital transition released at World Telecommunication Development Conference
Hyderabad, India, 28 May 2010 - Guidelines to help countries manage their transition from analogue to digital broadcasting were presented yesterday during the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-10) in Hyderabad, India. Delegates at the Conference also benefited from a hands-on demonstration of ITU’s Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries (SMS4DC).
Releasing the guidelines, the Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Mr Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid said, “The transition to digital broadcasting is a major challenge facing all countries, but in particular, developing and least developed countries. We hope that our members will take full advantage of this very practical set of guidelines designed to help them through the process.” Mr Al Basheer added, “ITU will also help countries implement the guidelines through country-level assistance and regional initiatives.”
The transition to digital broadcasting has become an important global issue. It will provide a greater number of channels with higher quality within the same available bandwidth along with advanced applications and features, such as interactivity and electronic programme guides. This transition also frees up spectrum — the so-called “digital dividend” — which can be used for enhanced broadcasting applications and wireless mobile broadband, leading to greater convergence of services. This is a key solution to extend Internet access to currently underserved areas.
The guidelines provide information and recommendations on policy, regulation, technologies, network planning, customer awareness and business planning for the smooth transition to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) and the introduction of Mobile Television Broadcasting (MTV). These guidelines are applicable to the GE06 Agreement planning area (corresponding to the geographical region situated to the west of meridian 170° E and north of parallel 40° S, except the territories of Mongolia, and including the Islamic Republic of Iran).
“The Guidelines for the Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting” were developed by the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau with the support of the Korean Communications Commission (KCC), Republic of Korea.
The demonstration of SMS4DC — Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries — illustrated how countries can manage their spectrum more efficiently and effectively. A low-cost, entry-level system, it nonetheless includes many features and functions, such as an open-source digital global terrain map, to assist countries in determining the technical and regulatory procedures required to manage spectrum allocated to land, mobile, fixed and broadcasting services.
SMS4DC is easily upgradable to accommodate revised ITU procedures and regulations. First launched in 2007, it is now being used by 37 countries.
Information for Media
Media Accreditation for WTDC-10 is open
Accreditation is compulsory for Press. Details of the accreditation procedure are at www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/events/registration.aspx?id=75&lang=en. Please read the procedure carefully before completing the online accreditation form. For fast-track procedures, you will need to have current accreditation with Government of India Press Information Bureau or the United Nations. Please contact the ITU Press Office for more details at pressinfo@itu.int.
Pre-registered and unannounced journalists should present their confirmation letter at the Registration Desk, together with their passport or ID card in order to receive an official WTDC-10 Media badge or undergo the full accreditation process. In the latter case, please ensure you have available the necessary supporting documentation (see procedure).
The on-site Media registration service will be open:
- Until Monday 31 May 2010: 08:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:30 hours
- Tuesday 1 June to Friday 4 June 2010: 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:30 hours
WTDC-10 Television studio
Video news reports and interviews are available at:
www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7781A8B8C8518352
ITU will also conduct TV interviews with key personalities during WTDC-10 in Hyderabad and produce TV News Reports. The broadcast quality videos are available free of charge and copyright to networks for transmission.
For more information, please see www.itu.int/ITU-D/conferences/wtdc/2010/index.html or contact:
Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU
 |
+41 22 730 5046 |
 |
+41 79 249 4861 |
 |
sanjay.acharya@itu.int |
|
About ITU...