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The Government announced today (February 11) the implementation plans and timetables for the development of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) services and mobile television (TV) services.
On the development of DAB services, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, said at a press conference today: "The broadcasting industry has been developing rapidly, with the most prominent being the extensive application of digital technology. We launched digital terrestrial television (DTT) services in end-2007. At present, over 46% of households in Hong Kong are enjoying DTT services and the geographical coverage has reached 85%.
"Following the successful rollout of DTT, we now take the next step to promote the launch of DAB services through invitation of applications for the provision of such services," Mrs Lau said.
Following the market-driven principle, the Government will first release one 1.5 MHz multiplex in Band III (219.584 - 221.120 MHz) to enable the launch of DAB services. The multiplex is capable of carrying seven CD-quality audio channels with a territory-wide coverage based on the prevailing Eureka 147 DAB standard. If the more advanced DAB+ standard is adopted, up to 13 CD-quality audio channels can be provided through one Band III multiplex.
The DAB services will not be subject to any "positive" programming requirements including minimum requirement for programmes on specific topics such as arts and culture, or for specific target audience such as youth and elderly. But the operator will be required to broadcast announcements in the public interest provided by the Government and publicity materials of the Broadcasting Authority (BA).
Any party who is interested in providing DAB services, whether they are existing sound broadcasting licensees or new licence applicants, is invited to submit applications to the BA by April 30, 2010. Applicants should refer to and follow the "Guidance Note for Those Interested in Applying for Licences to Establish and Maintain in Hong Kong a Broadcasting Service under Part IIIA of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap.106)". The Guidance Note and the licence application details are available on the BA's website (www.hkba.hk/). The BA will process all applications in accordance with the Telecommunications Ordinance and established practices. The BA will submit recommendations on the applications to the Chief Executive in Council for consideration as to whether licenses should be granted.
"In line with the Government's policy of promoting DAB services, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) may submit proposals to provide DAB services for approval by the Government," Mrs Lau added.
With the Band III multiplex being able to support 13 channels and in the event of there being more than one successful operator, the transmission facilities could be shared. Depending on the number of approved services and channels, the installation cost for the DAB transmission equipment would be shared on a pro-rata basis. DAB transmission facilities could be constructed on the existing FM hilltop transmission sites. RTHK will assume the role of the site manager for the existing hilltop sites and be responsible for the co-ordination of the use of the DAB spectrum and equipment as it does with the current AM/FM services.
"We expect that DAB services will be launched by late 2010/early 2011 at the earliest," Mrs Lau said.
Meanwhile, in light of the latest market development, the Government has taken the opportunity to update the framework for broadcast-type mobile TV services.
"We announced earlier that two multiplexes in Band III and one frequency multiplex in UHF will be released concurrently for the introduction of mobile TV services. Having considered the latest market development, one UHF Band multiplex will now be released first for mobile TV services," Mrs Lau said.
To facilitate the development of mobile TV services, the transmission capacity of the UHF Band multiplex allowed for providing other value-added communications services will be adjusted from 50% to a maximum of 25%.
The Office of the Telecommunications Authority also announced today that the auction of the spectrum for mobile TV would be held in the second quarter of this year.
Ends/Thursday, February 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:51
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