Digital terrestrial TV switchover could be delayed by a few months

The December 31, 2010 deadline for the Maltese digital terrestrial TV (DTTV) switchover could be delayed by a few months, i-Tech can reveal. The reason is that the new DTTV network that is supposed to provide six local free-to-air stations is yet to be rolled-out and most probably won't be ready on time.

As a result of the switchover, all Maltese analogue TV signals received through the antennas on rooftops would have been switched off on the night of December 31. From that point onwards the transmissions would only be in digital format and viewers would need a digital set-top box or a TV set with in-build digital terrestrial capabilities to continue watching the channels they have enjoyed for free until now. Clients on Go's TV service already have such equipment while Melita's TV customers won't be affected at all by this process.

Benefits of digital television include improved sound and picture quality and a wider choice of TV channels. This process will also free some frequencies which will be used for other purposes, such as high-definition TV and internet, in a world which is increasingly going wireless.

"There is a possibility that the TV switchover may take place later on in 2011 but this is still to be confirmed," a spokesman for the Malta Communications Authority told i-Tech. "The reason would essentially have to do with a longer than envisaged period for the setting up of the network. What is for sure, is that the operation needs to be done well and all the time necessary will be dedicated to allow people to switch over while ensuring that broadcasters do not go through an overly long 'simulcast' (simultaneous analogue/digital broadcasting) period. In a country the size of Malta, this need not go beyond a few months."

A final decision as to the actual date has not been taken, the spokesman added. The European Commission has to be informed about such developments, as it is pushing the process across the EU, but this is not a legal requirement but simply to keep them abreast of developments.

"The Commission's recommended turn-off date is January 2012 and Malta will be ahead of this date in any event," the spokesman insisted.

According to the national switchover policy document published early last year, Public Broadcasting Services is appointed as the network operator for broadcasting that meets the so-called general interest objectives (GIO). PBS has to set-up a new DTTV infrastructure to transmit up to six local free-to-air TV stations. This platform would be independent of the other DTTV platform already available in Malta, operated by Go.

A Digital Switch Over Committee (DSOC) composed of the key government entities involved in the switchover process (MCA, Malta Broadcasting Authority, Office of the Prime Minister; Ministry for Investment, Transport and Communication; and Ministry of Education, Employment and Family) is responsible for coordinating the switchover, with PBS providing technical input as necessary to the committee.

i-Tech is informed that PBS has reached an agreement with Go to build the new DTTV infrastructure as the operator has the necessary technical knowledge and experience. The announcement is expected imminently.

In May last year i-Tech had reported that PBS would carry the costs of the network set-up and operation less the additional capital and ongoing costs incurred as a result of PBS having to carry other broadcasters on its network. The network should have been deployed by the end of 2009, as indicated in the national plan. This means PBS is several months behind schedule.

PBS and Education 22 have an automatic place on this new DTTV network. The other four slots are up for grabs but the main local TV stations are expected to apply.

The latest figures (2009) indicate around 11 per cent of all households rely on free-to-air only terrestrial transmissions whilst a further seven per cent rely on a mix of free-to-air and pay TV.

Apart from losing the Maltese channels, viewers still dependent on analogue terrestrial also risk losing the Italian channels as Italy is also switching over to digital as part of the EU-wide process.

A national campaign had been planned to inform these TV viewers about the important change, but the campaign has been very low key in recent months.

"It is correct that the campaign has been low key so far," confirmed the MCA spokesman. "Malta is quite a small country and from experience on the subject garnered by other countries to date, we feel that a short and sharp campaign towards the final months of switchover should yield the best dividend."

The MCA has already identified the communications company that will deliver this campaign following a public selection process.