DICT Eyes Full Implementation of Digital TV Broadcast By 2023

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) plans to fully implement digital television broadcasting in the country by 2023.

DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, in a press briefing for the 2017 Digital TV Summit, said the Philippines has adopted Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) as its standard in the delivery of digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) in the country.

Salalima explained that the ISDB-T will not only improve TV viewing experience through better picture quality and sound but would also facilitate the establishment of an Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) which would allow sending of early warnings for disaster preparedness and disseminate advisories and guidance on evacuation, food provisions, and medical assistance in times of disasters.

The DICT launched Tuesday its DTTB Migration Plan consisting of comprehensive policies and regulations as well as technical and fiscal considerations necessary for the Philippine’s migration to digital TV broadcasting.

The plan will ensure smooth transition from analog to digital that will eventually lead to a complete Analog Switch Off (ASO).

“A comprehensive implementation of the DTTB Migration Plan shall ensure the reception of digital TV broadcast nationwide taking into consideration the financial assistance and needs of the vulnerable sectors of the society and guarantees universal access and reception of information,” the DICT said in a project brief.

The Department will focus on the public communications strategy and information campaigns to facilitate a smooth migration process and implementation.

It aims to deliver digital TV services to more than 14 million households nationwide relying on free to air analog TV broadcast once fully implemented.

This shall be done through partnership with national government agencies such as National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for implementation and regulation, Department of Finance (DOF) for funding, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for giving incentives to small scale broadcasters, Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) for e-waste management, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for economic impact, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for financial subsidy in purchasing digital set top boxes.

For its part, the Japanese government has vowed to provide technology transfer and competencies on digital TV broadcasting.

The DICT expects the release of the plan will encourage broadcasters to complete their digital rollout, the regulator to start monitoring and the citizens to procure digital TV receivers, thereby enjoying the benefits of digital television broadcast. (PNA)FPV/ABP