The purpose of issuing the “Digital Migration Strategy for TV Broadcasting” plan for consultation was to seek opinions on the TRA plan to migrate from analog to digital TV broadcasting, which is based on the Geneva 2006 Agreement. This agreement coordinates the allocation of frequencies for Digital TV broadcasting in Europe, Middle-East and Africa to prevent harmful interference between the different countries.
A target date of 2015 for completion of the analogue switch-off has been set by ITU. The World Radio Conference 2007 has reviewed the UHF spectrum use and set the time for transition to Digital TV in most countries.
Digital TV technology allows more efficient use of the frequency spectrum and transmission of more programs and enables the introduction of new services such as “High Definition Television” which gives a more clear and defined picture for the viewer.
The “Digital Migration Strategy for TV Broadcasting” plan was launched for consultation. Interested parties were requested to submit their feedback before the 30th of January, 2009* after having reviewed the following documents:
The final version of this plan will be published in both Arabic and English following consultations with the Ministries of Telecommunications and Information and the relevant administrations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
*The consultation closing date was extended from 8th of December 2008 to 30th of January 2009.