Although the analog switch-off in Latin America is behind schedule initially, governments are looking to speed up the process.
Richard Santa
While audiovisual content platforms and consumption are advancing rapidly, with increasing supply and penetration in Latin America, open television continues to hold on, being a strong medium with the support of the governments of the region.
That is why the process of adoption of digital television in the countries of the region, which has been delayed according to its initial schedule, since governments have postponed the analog switch-off, seems to be gaining momentum again. Or at least that's what the recent announcements from some countries show. Here are some examples:
Colombia
The MinTIC, in conjunction with RTVC - Public Media System, opened the process of collecting information and socializing the proposal with manufacturers, network builders and television transmission infrastructure integrators, for the deployment of DTT in the country in mid-November.
"We started the process so that four million Colombians in 200 municipalities go from having analog television to DTT signal. The DTT 2024 - 2026 deployment project seeks to ensure that 1.3 million households receive quality audio and video television, with free and greater content offering, thanks to the installation of 176 stations," said ICT Minister Mauricio Lizcano.
The purpose of the socialization is to define the bases for the bidding process that will begin next year, and which will have a rigorous, participatory and transparent execution, where the plurality of offers and deployment in the municipalities that have analog television coverage will be guaranteed.
It is expected that the deployment of this technology will reach more than 200 municipalities that do not have DTT, so that they have access to the content offered by open broadcast television in the country.
"We are getting ready to put an end to analog broadcasts, and thus reach the most remote areas of the country with quality television. The deployment of the networks will allow us to provide access to users of national, regional and local channels," said Nórida Rodríguez, manager of RTVC.
With the implementation of the 176 DTT stations of the public network, and an investment of close to $45 million dollars, the country will go from 94% to 97.4% of Colombians connected with DTT. The goal of the Government of Change is that by 2026 the digitization of the broadcast open television service will be completed.
Chile
The Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, the Ministry of the General Secretariat of Government and Anatel, announced the different measures they have taken to support the digitalization process of Chilean TV, in view of the cessation of the transmissions of the analog television signal projected for April 2024.
"As a ministry we are actively supporting the process of digitalization of television, where no one is left behind, and that allows us to advance in territorial justice, shortening connectivity gaps, delivering a service with image and sound quality, but also democratizing this means of communication, since digital TV opens up the possibility of the creation of new signals and technologies," said the Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Juan Carlos Muñoz.
Likewise, the authorities took stock of the number of Digital Satellite TV kits delivered to date by Anatel, with the support of the Government and the municipalities.
"In April next year, when the deadline to move to digitalization is met, we will have 98% coverage, very close to 100%. In 2022 we delivered 10,000 digital kits and this year we are going to end up delivering 15,000 kits, which implies several things. One, that television improves in quality, the image and sound improve considerably, but the most important thing is that it allows democratizing access to channels, to have more information and with a more plural view of the content that is delivered," said the Minister Secretary General of Government, Camila Vallejo.
It should be recalled that almost 10 years ago, the Digital Television Law was enacted, whose main objective was to transform the way television is viewed in Chile. This means better picture and sound quality, but, above all, more channels available, openly and free of charge.
"Television continues to connect families in Chile. We are moving forward in the process of digitizing television, with the effort of the channels to reach all corners of the country now digitally, with better quality and more channels, as well as with the delivery of satellite kits for geographically isolated areas. We are proud of the work that Anatel's channels have done, with the support of Subtel and the different municipalities to continue accompanying, informing and entertaining the country's families," added Pablo Vidal, President of Anatel.
Once the cessation of the analog signal, scheduled for the end of 2024, is fulfilled, Chile will become one of the first countries in Latin America – along with Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica – to complete its TV digitization process.
Measures to support the digitalisation of TV
- Initiation of a consultative procedure to modify regulations that establish the technical specifications to be met, with the aim of incorporating a TVD receiving antenna as a mandatory accessory device when marketing digital televisions in the country.
- Subtel Public Tender to subsidize "Transmission Systems for Digital Television" (2023 – 2024). The goal is to support regional, local, and community concessions that require funding to implement a digital transmission system.
- Analogue shutdown overtaking pilot with channels associated with ARCATEL and that comply with the requirements established in the transitory articles of the Law.
- Controlled analog shutdown strategy for national television channels associated with ANATEL.
- MTT and CNTV agreement to strengthen the control of Digital Television content.
Peru
The Ministry of Transport and Communications, MTC, has been accelerating the migration to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in Peru. Today, the country has 163 stations nationwide, which transmit DTT signals, between Lima, Callao and 23 other locations.
"From the MTC we strengthen our commitment as a State to continue working for Peruvian homes, in order to ensure the provision of broadcasting services for the benefit of the growth and development of the coast, mountains and jungle of our country," said the Deputy Minister of Communications, Carla Sosa Vela.
It should be noted that, this year, the MTC has granted 2454 authorizations for the provision of television broadcasting services, achieving a growth of 12% in the last 3 years.
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