Q1: What are most current plans for launching the DTT-network, and at what stage are those plans?
A1:
The policy for launching the DTT- network is still under review by different governmental entities. The TRA has already prepared a consultation addressing this issue in 2008 but till now there is no final decision.
Q2:
When is estimated DTT launch?
A2:
The Republic of Lebanon represented by the Ministry of Telecommunications approved the Geneva 2006 Agreement for the analogue switch-off no later than 2015.
Q3:Will there be a single joint infrastructure, or will each broadcaster operate proprietary networks?
A3:
This issue is still under policy review. There is no final decision but the TRA has already proposed within the public consultation on the TV Broadcasting to have a separate entity to implement and maintain this broadcast infrastructure for all television stations. This entity could for example be:
- A joint venture between the different broadcasters
- A fully independent entity
- An association of all broadcasters owning the entity that provides the broadcast infrastructure
A National Broadband Network operator can manage such network, or services to the broadcasters can be submitted through this network.
Q4:
Who operates the current terrestrial network?
A4: Regarding the current terrestrial network, the existing television services are delivered via:
- UHF Free to Air analogue TV (8 licensed operators)
- MVDS in the 10 – 12 GHz band (4 licensed operators)
- Unlicensed Cable TV and wireless distribution,
- DTH Satellite TV
Q5:
What is the relative platform popularity and penetration (ATT/DTT (terrestrial) vs DTH (satellite) vs cable)?
A5:
All the UHF terrestrial television broadcasters in Lebanon are employing analogue transmission networks with multiple transmitter locations. The household television receivers are typically analogue based.
The main digital television services are delivered via satellite & DVB-MS operators. Subscribers use a satellite dish with a LNB and a set-top box to receive digital Free to Air TV and/or Pay-TV (encrypted) signals. The set-top box decrypts the signal if needed and converts the digital TV signal to the (mostly) analogue television.