TV stations told to go digital by 2017

KATHMANDU, Sept 5: Nepali television stations will have to deploy digital technology within the next six years. The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) has instructed all analog television channels to switch to digital technology by 2017.



The instruction will directly impact Image Channel, Kantipur Television, Nepal Television along with eight other channels in Chitwan, Butwal, Palpa and Biratnagar that have received license for terrestrial transmission. [break]



The decision, however, will not impact satellite transmission of these channels.



Television broadcasters have welcomed the decision but have said that it will be a challenging ordeal for them.



R K Manandhar, president of Television Broadcasters´ Network (TBN), said the broadcasters will have no option but to comply with the government´s instruction. “It is a very positive step. But Nepali television stations are already in crisis and switch to digital technology calls for more investment,” Manandhar said, adding that viewers might have to shoulder additional financial burden.



International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has asked least developed countries, including Nepal, to digitalize broadcasting media by 2020. However, Nepal is attempting to digitalize its broadcasting media three years before the ITU´s deadline. Television stations in European countries are switching to digital technology by 2012.



MoIC officials, however, are little skeptical about the ambition plan. “It took Japan nearly seven years to switch to digital technology. It might take even longer for a country like Nepal where ICT infrastructure is at preliminary stage,” an official at MoIC said.



After the introduction of digital technology, a single frequency can be used to operate up to 14 channels. This will allow television operators to deploy infrastructure that will save their operating cost. Digitalization of television stations will also provide better reception, thereby offering visual and audio clarity.



Anup Nepal, under-secretary at the MoIC, viewers can record television programs and also enjoy on-demand channels once television stations switch to digital technology. “As most of the television sets can´t support digital transmission, they will have to use set-up converter box,” Nepal added.



State-run Nepal Television has already started preparation to launch first digital television station in the country. The government allocated Rs 10 million for the project.

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