Download - Transition to Digital Terrestrial Television

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Survey on Transition to Digital Terrestrial Television

And Optimal use of the Digital Dividend

Preliminary Notice: ThissurveytriestoaddressallpossibleaspectsoftheswitchovertoDTTandofthedigitaldividend.Therefore, ifyou think thatyoucannotanswersomequestions,pleasewrite:Idontknowandskiptothenextquestion.

Notice 1: While this first public survey is made on TRC official web site for practical

reasons, it is not a TRC public consultation leading directly to some TRC regulatory measure. It is made under the responsibility of the members of an

EU-Jordan Twinning Project (details in Introduction &Annex 1)

Notice 2: The questions and hypotheses envisaged or suggested in this public survey do not necessarily reflect: the views or intentions of TRC, nor those of the government of Jordan or the EU administrations

participating to the Twinning, nor those of the European Commission who funds this Twinning on behalf

of the EU.

The deadline for sending your contribution is 23 September 2012. Please send your contribution either by mail or by email, using the contact details below Jean Piquemal Resident Twinning Adviser Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Shmeisani, Abd Al-Hamid Sharaf Street; building no 90 PO Box: 941794 Amman 11194 Amman [email protected]

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1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THIS PUBLIC SURVEY

1.1 Institutional context This public survey is one of different surveys and consultations which will be made in 2012 (and possibly early 2013) within the framework of an EU-funded Twinning Project between:

- Administrations of three EU Member States (France, Italy & Spain), and - The Jordanian Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).

This Twinning project is planned to end by July 2013, and is divided in five components, out of which Component 3 is dedicated to the subject of: Transition to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) & Optimal Use of the Digital Dividend Where the term Digital Dividend refers to the frequency spectrum that will become available for other use as a result of transition from analogue to digital TV transmission. More precisely, Component 3 of the Twinning Project focuses on the possible roadmaps for reaching in Jordan an optimal use of UHF frequencies in the band 470-862 MHz. Being part of an inter-institutional project, the ultimate objective of Component 3 is to propose initiatives, roadmaps or regulatory measures which the Jordanian concerned authorities could take towards the above objective. Nevertheless it will base its process and reasoning on the likely intentions of private undertakings, investors, customers in the coming years, insofar as this can be appraised today. Hence comes the sequence of surveys and consultations which are starting now. More details about the EU-Jordan Twinning Component 3 in Annex I. 1.2 - What is the Digital Dividend? The digital dividend refers to the part of the radiofrequency spectrum that is able to be freed up following the switch from analogue to digital television. The switchover is taking place across the world. Various countries have either already completed, or are mid-way through, the move to digital TV. The freed-up spectrum is then able to be allocated to new uses. Different regions around the world are releasing slightly different spectrum bands. Analogue television in Jordan is currently broadcast in the VHF and UHF frequency bands. The UHF TV band spans 470-862 MHz. Three key processes are required to realise the digital dividend. These are:

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> conversion of analogue television broadcasting to digital transmission (A/D switchover)

> clearance of a contiguous block of spectrum > allocation of the cleared spectrum (reallocation).

A - Digital switchover

The first key step necessary for the realisation of the digital dividend is the digital switchover process. Currently, the digital dividend spectrum forms part of the broadcasting services bands (BSBs) which are primarily for the use of broadcasting services. Originally television broadcasters (such as JRTV) transmitted television services in these bands using analogue signals. However, JRTV will transmit only digital television in the future. The process of converting the delivery of television services from analogue to digital transmission is known as digital switchover.

The switchover from analogue to digital television transmission has been motivated by the superior features of digital transmission. For example, digital television provides greatly improved picture and sound quality. Compared to analogue technology, digital technology is also able to transmit more television programs in the same amount of radiofrequency spectrum, enabling the provision of additional television services through multichannelling. For the Jordanian market, the benefits accruing from the realisation of the digital dividend are also a key incentive for the switch off of analogue transmissions.

The completion of the digital switchover process will result in the freeing up of parts of the spectrum formerly used for analogue transmissions as a digital dividend, permitting refarming of this spectrum for alternative uses.

B - What are the Opportunities from the Digital Dividend? The re-allocation of the digital dividend provides opportunities to improve the provision, quality and use of wireless broadband within Jordan. It will allow Jordan to remain a fast follower of international developments and technological advances. It provides an opportunity to further encourage competition in the mobile market, encouraging further innovation and efficiency gains to create benefits for end-users in terms of better services, and lower prices. If the digital dividend is managed as efficiently and effectively as possible, the range of uses to which it can be applied will be wider, with potentially more wireless applications having efficient access to this valuable spectrum resource. These applications include wireless (fixed /mobile) broadband communications providing ubiquitous broadband access for all, additional terrestrial broadcasting services and mobile multimedia applications.

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From the decisions of the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) held in 2007, Region 1 of the world, to which Jordan belongs, considered the [790 MHz, 862 MHz] frequency band to be the first block of the digital dividend. It is surnamed the UHF 800 MHz band. Some European countries are now rolling out LTE mobile broadband networks in this spectrum. Some objectives that might be considered for allocation of the UHF 800 MHz band are:

An economically and technically efficient allocation of the UHF 800 MHz band that promotes competitive outcomes in the market for mobile broadband services.

Realizing the productivity benefits offered by new technologies, including through:

o Rapid deployment of next generation services to consumers. o Wide coverage of next generation services.

In 2012, a new WRC took place in Geneva. As far as the digital dividend in Region 1 is concerned, a decision has been taken to allocate the [694 MHz- 790 MHz] to mobile communications. This brings a second digital dividend, surnamed the UHF 700 MHz band. The availability of it will be 2015. C - What is Happening Internationally? According to the conclusions of WRC 2007, analogue television has to be switched off by mid-2015. The switchover to digital television is already taking place around the world. Various administrations are encouraging, requiring, and helping transition viewers and broadcasters to digital television, recognizing the dual benefits of digital television and the ability to free up a slice of spectrum, the digital dividend, to be allocated to new uses. Of those countries which have completed, or are in the process of, their transition to digital television, the vast majority have identified mobile broadband services as the preferred use of the digital dividend radio spectrum. Given the focus on mobile broadband, many European countries are choosing to allocate the digital dividend in tandem with spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band, also designated for mobile use, due to the limited capacity of the digital dividend in the UHF 800 MHz band. This allows getting capacity in urban dense areas as well as a significant coverage in the rural areas. Some key international developments concerning digital dividend spectrum are:

The United States, which are the main country in Region 2, are following a different scheme. In the WRC 2007, Region 2 decided to free immediately the UHF 700 MHz band for mobile broadband. Following this conclusion, the United States held a series of auctions from 2007 on, which resulted in two national mobile network operators acquiring spectrum, along with many regional operators. USA auctioned also blocks of frequencies from the [694 MHz, 790 MHz] for public utilities and governmental services (e.g. band 14)

In Europe, which is in Region 1, Germany and Sweden were early users of the digital

dividend and held auctions in June 2010 and February 2011 respectively. In both countries, three mobile network providers won 2x10 MHz each. In the lower part of the UHF band,

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these countries allocated parts of [790 MHz, 862 MHz]. Germanys auctions closed in 2010, but so far Vodafone is the only operator to get any decent-sized 4G operation off the ground.

France held auctions to allocate both the digital dividend and 2.6 GHz bands in 2011. The frequencies which were auctioned follow the European frequency plan. Orange France and Bouygues Telecom will open their LTE network at the end of 2012.

The United Kingdom may wind up being the last European country to move to 4G. Its regulator, Ofcom, has pushed back its auction date to the fourth quarter of 2012, and it could be delayed further still.

The Italian government auctioned off 4G airwaves in September 2011, but three of the four major Italian operators were already moving aggressively to build next-generation mobile broadband networks. According to TeleGeography, Vodafone Italy and Wind Telecomunicazione are both beginning their network builds this year, with large-scale launches scheduled for 2013.

The rest of Western Europe may have to wait a bit a longer since operators in many countries are still waiting for a key missing ingredient: spectrum.. Many of the remaining big European operators, however, are in a holding pattern while their regulators debate the timing and rules of their own countries auctions or wait for the licenses they do own to become viable for a network launch.

The progress toward 4G has bogged down so much that the European Commission and Parliament may step in to set an early 2013 auction deadline on member states.

The one region of Europe thats been ahead of the curve is the Nordic states, which not only distributed their 4G spectrum early but beat even the most aggressive global operators Verizon Wireless and Japans NTT DoCoMo to market. TeliaSonera managed to get the first live LTE networks running in Stockholm and Oslo as early as December 2009. But as one industry executive pointed out at Mobile World Congress 2012, Europe is still largely a 4G wasteland with only pockets of LTE hovering in the north.

Europe, however, isnt the only global region to see LTE delays. At Mobile World Congress 2012, China Mobile announced an aggressive rollout of its own variant of 4G, TD-LTE (subscription required), targeting a 200,000-base station network by the end of 2013, but according to PCWorld , the Chinese government has other ideas. A key Chinese regulator indicated that it might hold off issuing 4G licenses for another two to three years, which would most definitely muck up China Mobiles plans.

D - Allocation of the UHF 800 MHz Band in Jordan Once the switchover is complete and the UHF 800 MHz spectrum has been cleared, it needs to be allocated to new uses. This is the focus of component 3. First, the band will need to be technically divided (a band plan) into spectrum blocks that can be allocated. The design of this technical subdivision relies on identifying the preferred use of the spectrum by industry, and the most beneficial use of the spectrum to Jordan. In Jordan, as the telecommunications sector is largely a technology taker, the best use is influenced by international developments, to allow alignment with major markets and ensuring availability of equipment. Once a band plan has been decided upon, TRC needs to determine the assignment methodology. This may include:

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The number and size of spectrum blocks to be assigned.

The method of assignment (for example, by auction or another method).

Any rules or conditions that may be placed on the spectrum blocks, including:

- Competition safeguards, such as acquisition limits or implementation requirements. - Any potential reservations of spectrum to meet government objectives.

Finally, TRC will need to decide upon the timing of any assignment process. While the spectrum will not become available for use until 2013, there is benefit in an early assignment process to facilitate business planning and investment by any party that successfully acquires spectrum. 1.3 Confidentiality All information collected through this survey will be confidential and TRC will not publish their content. 1.4 Methodology Outline The goal is to make pertinent proposals to the Jordanian authorities on how to favour the best possible use of UHF 470-862 MHz frequencies, e.g. to foster growth of broadband in the kingdom. The time range to be taken into account will be in the period 2015-2025 or to take into account the long range impact of decisions about frequencies. Due to the prospective nature and the wide range of factors involved in this topic (economical, investment and legal certainty, demand forecast, state aid, fair competition and infrastructure sharing, etc.), this DTT/Digital Dividend component will be carried out according to the Impact Assessment methodology described in Annex 2. This methodology derived from the Better Regulation principle (public governance) requests that all information from stakeholders be collected through public consultation or enquiries. Hence the series of surveys starting with the present one. 1.5 Economical, social and cultural context of this survey The switchover to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) opens a wide area in the frequency spectrum, where efficient radio system can provide:

- High quality television, either for fixed reception or for reception in a moving car; - High bitrate communications, e.g. high speed internet, both for mobile and fixed

use.

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While the Jordanian authorities may desire multiplying broadband users and higher bit rates, both fixed and mobile, it remains the task of private enterprise to take risks, invest in increasingly capable and profitable systems, and reinvest benefits in even newer systems or upgrades (investment ladder).The only thing authorities can do is to create favourable conditions, encourage players and ensure fair competition. Nevertheless, for doing so, they need to have a clear picture of the intentions and plans of the private sector, so as to adopt the proper decisions and measures at the proper moment, and in the proper areas. The same risk taking is applicable to the launching of television programmes. In this respect, the specific context of Jordan is to be taken into account: While several countries started their broadband strategy a few years ago with an operational copper local loop1 reaching all households and enterprises and a significant ADSL access, Jordans starting point is different. The activated copper lines are in steady decline and represent now only an 8% penetration, while virtually all Jordanians have one mobile, and the Jordanian mobile broadband is picking up. Therefore, the Digital Dividend is a crucial issue in Jordan. Whether developing wire, fixed wireless or mobile access, and investment will be heavy, the costs of deploying an LTE network can be some 50M to 100M depending of the density of traffic to cope with (cost of mobiles not included). It is interesting to consider that the US are deploying LTE for the sake of delivering high speed internet to rural areas at a reasonable cost. In the EU, the cost of fiber-to-the-home can be between the equivalent of 300 JD (urban) and 3000 JD (rural) per plug. Thus, the primary issue for broadband for all (or almost all) is a financial issue, which is made more complex by the question of whether to build several networks or to share part or all of it between service providers according to the circumstances while preserving competition. The Digital dividend may be a clever means to offer soon mobile (or fixed) broadband to most of the present mobile users.

1Usually from the historical former telephone monopoly or CATV.

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2 Switchover from analogue to digital television

Guide to Section 2

These questions are primarily addressed to JRTV or potential candidates for broadcasting television programmes through JRTV transceivers in the multiplex which will be broadcasted in order to carry the existing analogue programmes and a few more, either in a limited area or over all Jordan.

For all questions: In case of unavailability of data, you may give estimation if you clearly indicate that the answer is only your estimation.

Do not try to answer questions which are irrelevant to your situation.

In accordance with WRC conclusions, the Jordanian Cabinet has decided to switchover from analogue terrestrial television broadcasting (ATT) to digital terrestrial broadcasting (DTT). Considering the number of existing analogue terrestrial programmes, the DTT will be limited to one single multiplex in the first deployment, fitted to ensure the switchover before mid-2015.

Therefore, the survey of terrestrial broadcasting will be made in two steps:

- Focus on the transfer of the present broadcasted programmes. This phase has a deadline which is pretty soon and will be dealt with in emergency. This is the purpose of the following set of questions.

- Strategic reflection on possible new broadcasted services. This second phase may be too complex to be mastered in one single run of survey, so it will be addressed in a 2nd survey, which will be opened to all possible stakeholders of this process. This 2nd survey will complete the analysis with further questions. Since it has not the same level of urgency, the reflection will be refined along a few months.

Transfer of present ATT to DTT. Question for JRTV and other broadcasters (Terrestrial & Satellite). Technical choices for Jordan DTT

Question 1 Choice of the broadcasting standard

The choice of DVB-T2 with parameters maximizing the number of possible programmes makes each multiplex to carry 36 Mbps.. But DVB-T2 is not yet widely in use around the world. Do you

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think that DVB-T, which is deployed all around Europe, is the best choice for Jordan in the transitory phase? How would be secured, in that case, the future evolution to DVB-T2?

Question 2 - MPEG4 is now the compression standard which is recommended and which is now massively industrialized. The actual standard is MPEG4 Part 10 High Profile (also called H264). It needs approximately 9 Mbps for HDTV and 3 Mbps for SDTV, depending on which king of television programme is carried. An improved version of MPEG4, called HEVC or H265 is now completely defined, which will reduce the necessary bit rate to 5 Mbps for HDTV and less than 2 Mbps for SDTV. In your opinion which standard is more suitable for Jordan DTT infrastructure H264 or H265? And why? How will the future evolution be planned?

Question 3 ( for JRTV) Is the choice to broadcast 4 HDTV channels in one multiplex definitely decided for the first phase?

(for television programmes providers) - Is it the best choice and why?

Question 3 bis On which criteria should the channels be selected?

Knowing that 2 are simulcast of existing analogue channels.

Question 4 (JRTV) areas you already broadcasting television programmes on the analogue terrestrial network, give quantitative information on your broadcasting grid, for each and every broadcasted channel:

- timeslots in the day, in the week, in the year - types of programmes - coverage of the transceivers which are broadcasting your programmes (precise in

the case of local broadcasting) - estimation of the number of households under that coverage

Question 5 (JRTV) Since there are today 2 nationwide broadcasted analogue TV programmes plus a few local programmes, one multiplex seems necessary to ensure the switchover. Do you intend to broadcast a second one? Do you intend to locate this multiplex or these multiplexes at the lower part of the [470 MHz, 862 MHz]? Where in the spectrum band? Question 6 (JRTV) Assuming MFN broadcasting, which is the block of frequency you need for DTT?

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Question 7 (JRTV) Same question for SFN broadcasting.

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3 Digital Dividend use for advanced digital television services

Guide to Section 3

These questions are primarily addressed to JRTV or potential candidates for broadcasting television programmes, either in a limited area or over all Jordan. Their target is to evaluate the business opportunities of new digital television programmes on top of the first multiplex which is mainly dedicated to digitalization of existing analogue programmes. For all questions: In case of unavailability of data, you may give estimation if you clearly indicate that the answer is only your estimation. Do not try to answer questions which are irrelevant to your situation.

In accordance with WRC conclusions, the Jordanian Cabinet has decided to switchover from analogue terrestrial television broadcasting (ATT) to digital terrestrial broadcasting (DTT). Considering the number of existing analogue terrestrial programmes, the DTT will be limited to one single multiplex in the first deployment, fitted to ensure the switchover before mid-2015. Therefore, the survey of terrestrial broadcasting will be made in two steps:

- Focus on the transfer of the present broadcasted programmes. This phase has a deadline which is pretty soon and will be dealt with in emergency; it is analysed with a different set of questions.

- Strategic reflection on possible new broadcasted services. This second phase may be too complex to be mastered in one single run of survey, so it is addressed hereafter with a specific set of questions. The plan is to refine the reflection with stakeholders along a few months.

Strategic reflection on future new broadcasted services using DTT Questions 8 to 17 figure a first set which is to be answered both by JRTV and by possible new investors willing to invest in DTT. They do not explore the whole scope of the issue and interested persons are welcome to write down other questions, which will be included in a second survey. Question 8 What will you ask to broadcast with DTT? Question about your future planned broadcasting grid, i.e.:

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- timeslots in the day, in the week, in the year - types of programmes - coverage of the transmitters which are broadcasting your programmes ( precise in

the case of local broadcasting) - estimation of the number of households under that coverage

Note: please indicate your plans for all the channels that you wish to broadcast. Question 9 Do you intend to roll out transceiver towers of your own (other than those of JRTV)? Question 10 From the knowledge you have of your audience, actual and expected, how many digital decoders will be necessary to allow your customers to receive DTT? Question 11 a decision is expected in Jordan to make it compulsory for new television sets to include DVB-T2 receiver/tuner and MPEG4-H264 and/or HEVC advanced decoder. When do you think this decision should it be applicable in order to favour a smooth development of digital television:

- in 2013 - in 2015 - in 2020

Note: in Europe, MPEG4 decoding is compulsory since 2011; DVB-T2 tuner will be compulsory in 2020.

Question 12 - What is, in your opinion, the percentage of TV sets in Jordan which are able to display HDTV?

Question 13 In one multiplex, what type of channel configuration do you consider providing the best choice as far as business plan is concerned?

- only HDTV channels - a mix of SDTV and HDTV - and also introduce radio channels on DVB-T2 - and of course broadcast the associated data

Question 14 Would you be interested by a configuration of DVB-T2 allowing television reception inside a car?

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Question 15 - which users are or should be targeted by the future DTT: fixed users at home (or at business), vs. Reception in moving cars (or pedestrians)? Question 16 - management of the multiplexes: by whom, and with which control of individual programmes which are multiplexed? Question 17 - SFN or MFN. - This question for broadcasters only -. How do you think that the DTT coverage would be engineered in Jordan?

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4 Optimal use of the digital dividend for broadband communications, both mobile and fixed

Guide to Section 4

These questions are primarily addressed to existing network operators or potential candidates. For all questions: In case of unavailability of data, you may give an estimation if you clearly indicate that the answer is only your estimation. Do not try to answer questions which are irrelevant to your situation.

4.1 General reflection Question 18 - Do you agree that clearing UHF 800 band for digital dividend and switchover to DTT is likely to further the interests of Jordanian citizens ,sector and consumers to the greatest extent? Precise the conditions which are profitable for the Jordanian economy, and make a difference between urban and rural areas. If not, please explain why and clearly identify any other means ( including other bands) you believe should be adopted and why. Question 19 - Do you consider that the 800 MHz band should be reserved for services other than broadcasting? Please provide reasons for your view. Question 20 - What would you consider to be the levels of value and benefits, including any social value which may be produced for Jordanian consumers / citizens and Jordans digital economy arising from non-broadcasting uses of the digital dividend? Question 21 - How in your view could various industry sectors, for example transport, healthcare, education or other public sector industries, benefit from utilizing digital dividend spectrum? Question 22 - Do you consider there to be merits in accelerating access to a digital dividend 800 MHz UHF band in Jordan? If so, what considerations do you believe would need to be taken into account and how would they impact accelerating access to the digital dividend? Question 23 - What would you consider to be an optimal time for licensing digital dividend spectrum?

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Question 24 - Do you consider that service and/or technology neutrality should generally be a key principle for spectrum rights of use? Please provide reasons for your view. 4.2 Use of the digital dividend for mobile communications Questions 25 to 42 address existing mobile operators and Vendors ( where applicable) . Question 25 Please provide detailed information on the geographical coverage which you have deployed

- in 2G - in 3G

For populated areas. Question 26 Is your network capable to support LTE broadband (or equivalent technology); or is it easily upgradable for that purpose? Please explain. Question 27 Do you face already problems of congestion?

- due to under equipment of your links (microwave links, wires, ) - due to insufficient size of gateways to other operators and international

Question 28 With the success of Smartphone, do you confirm the forecast of a skyrocketing increase of mobile internet use? Question 29 Percentage of Smartphone among your connected terminals? Question 30 Average revenue per user (ARPU)? Question 31 Annual average revenue per user? Question 32 Considering the future business with a vision at some 15 years from now, what is your assumption of the number of terminals in Jordan in 2020? Please detail on:

- regular mobile phones - Smartphone - laptop connections - machine to machine devices and internet of things

Question 33 Same question for 2025? Question 34 Do you need to install new radio towers for future uses of mobile communications if you are granted UHF 800 MHz frequencies?

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Question 35 Same question for UHF 700 MHz frequencies? Question 36 Is the question of the reluctance of the people against the deployment of radio towers an important issue for you and your business case? Question 37 What is the impact of the reluctance of municipalities, which do not accept the construction of cell site towers? Question 37 bis Do you want more support from TRC for the building of new towers? Question 38 In your forecast of business, do you consider high speed mobile internet to be reaching 50% of your turnover in 2015? Question 39 Same question for 2020? Question 39 bis Same question for 2025? Question 40 Share of your turnover provided by enterprises now Question 41 Share of enterprise turnover forecast for 2020 Question 42 Do you think that mobile internet will require the roll out of optical fibers to link the base stations with the core network and to carry the traffic inside the core network? Note: if you intend to enter the mobile business as new entrant, please express your views for the future of this business and your evaluation of the possible success for a green field operator today 4.3 Use of digital dividend for fixed wireless broadband services Questions 43 to 56 to address FBWA operators Question 43 Do you face already problems of congestion on your connection network?

- due to your licensed frequency band - due to under equipment of your links (microwave links, wires, ) - due to insufficient size of gateways to other operators and international

Question 44 With the success of smartphones, do you confirm the forecast of a skyrocketing increase of mobile internet use, and as a consequence a sad future for FBWA? Question 45 Average revenue per user (ARPU)? Question 46 Annual average revenue per user? Question 47 Considering the future business with a vision at some 15 years from now, what is your forecast of the number of terminals in Jordan in 2020?

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Question 48 Same question for 2025? Question 49 Do you need to install new radio towers for future uses of fixed communications if you are granted UHF 800 MHz frequencies? Question 50 Same question for UHF 700 MHz frequencies? Question 51 Is the question of the reluctance of the people against the deployment of radio towers an important issue for you and your business case? Question 52 In your forecast of business, do you consider high speed mobile internet to be taking you out of business in 2015? Question 53 Same question for 2020? Question 54 Share of your turnover provided by enterprises now? Question 55 Share of enterprise turnover forecast for 2020? Question 56 Do you think that the internet traffic will require more investments in the roll out of optical fibers to link the base stations with the core network and to carry the traffic inside the core network? 4.4 - Future plans or forecast from existing operators /interested parties Note: Jordan has been supporting the requirement made by Arab countries to allow primary use of the frequency band [694 MHz, 862 MHz] for mobile.

Question 57 - Do you intend to ask for a license in [790 MHz, 862 MHz] frequency band? Or in [694 MHz, 790 MHz] Or in [598 MHz, 694 MHz]? Which frequency are you looking for, which would be optimal for your purposes? Question 58 - Which technology will you roll out? E.g. LTE, WiMax, other Question 59 - FDD or TDD and what BW?

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Question 60 - For which applications/services? Proposed list: -voice telephony

- SMS - FAX - Bearer services for data transmission - Internet access with data rate of 256 kbps

o Same at 1 Mbps o Same at 5 Mbps o Same at 10 Mbps o Same at 30 Mbps and over o With or without volume restriction, please detail o With or without guaranteed latency, please detail

- Mobile television with QVGA definition o Same with VGA definition

- Location based services, managed by the service provider (e.g. Apple on Iphone) o Same with services managed by the network or by operators added value

servers - Same for information services (managed by the network or by an outside service

provider) - Same for music or image teleloading - Videotelephony with or without Skype (or equivalent) - Videoconferencing - Transmission of images and recorded moving pictures - Home network interface - Customer management services - Mobile payment

and many others Question 61 - With which expectation as far as turnover and number of customers are concerned? Question 62 - In your opinion, detail the following items:

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- value of those services to Jordan consumers and citizens; - impact of those services in terms of competition to existing services;

time frames for making available rights of use for digital dividend spectrum; 4.5 - Future use of frequencies Question 63 What should be the use of UHF frequencies, [470 MHz, 598 MHz]?

- In 2020? - and after?

Question 64 Same question for [598 MHz, 694 MHz] Question 65 Same question for [694 MHz, 790 MHz] Question 66 Same question for [790 MHz, 862 MHz]

4.6 - Which other questions would you propose? Please feel free to add as many questions as you think should help to build a good decision. Such questions will be incorporated in a second survey. In particular, questions related to the choices of architecture for NGN in Jordan are more than welcome. Will the broadband be deployed essentially via high speed mobile communications (>30 Mbps), with an optical fiber network mainly connecting cell site towers? Or will there be a set of different architectures which will be applicable for urban or rural areas? 4.7 - Questions on broadband demand Question 67 Please give your personal expression about the drivers of broadband demand

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Usages? Bit rates? Latency? Other ?

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5 - Questions mainly oriented towards policy objectives

Guide to Section 5 This section is dedicated to, policy objectives. It does not concern the means to reach the objectives. For instance, do not reply in terms of LTE, Wimax or EDGE, since those are means, not objectives. Such topics will be dealt with in the next consultation on the possible options for pursuing the objectives and on the evaluation of those options. Answers to this consultation dealing with means and options will be disregarded.

Question 68 - The text below summarises the draft objectives the Jordanian Government is currently discussing for the coming years in its DSICTP2. While those objectives are only draft ones, and are meant to cover a shorter time span than the 10 or 20 year strategy our study is envisaging, we would like to know your opinion about the objectives below?

As expressed in DSICTP (From Item (22)) Maintain and increase the growth of the ICT (and postal) sector(s) and increase their contribution to the country's socio-economic development. Ensure that advanced high quality ICT and postal services are available throughout Jordan at affordable prices; Identify the higher goals by which the objectives of the National ICT Strategy will be derived; Strengthen the competitive position of the Kingdom internationally in the areas of telecommunications, information technology and postal service. (From Item (78)) Actively support the development and growth of the IT sector in Jordan through a multifaceted strategy designed to foster the dynamic growth of the Jordanian IT sector, both domestically and internationally, as well as the diffusion and use of IT throughout all segments of Jordanian society (From Item (79)) Stimulate the growth and development of both advanced telecommunications and IT products and services. (From Item (91)) Increase significantly Internet penetration, particularly broadband access, from its current levels, in all areas of Jordan, particularly in rural areas.

2 Draft Statement of ICT Government Policy 2012 (text as in the Nov 2011 public consultation by MoICT)

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ANNEX 1 Short presentation of the

EU-Jordan Inter-institutional Twinning launching this RFC

Component 3 Migration to Digital Television and Digital Dividend

1 - Introduction to the specific rationale of Component 3

WRC 2007 in Geneva decided that the transition from analogue television broadcasting to DTT (digital terrestrial television) should be achieved no later than June 2015. Since DTT channels request 6 to 12 times less bandwidth, the analogue television switch-off frees spectrum for new broadcasted television services (3D programs, connected TV) or other services. A new broadcasting frequency plan has to be engineered in conjunction with the emergence of new opportunities as well as the phasing out of old consumer equipment.

For a usable digital dividend composed of wide frequency bands, regulatory actions and technical considerations are strongly intertwined and mutually dependent.

The high level outcome of this component is expected to be a frequency plan for 174-230MHz and 470-862MHz encompassing very broad categories of communication services ranging from broadcast to fixed radio local loop, mobile services, governmental. Moreover, for designing this master plan below 1 GHz, other existing and future frequency uses from 1 to 10GHz will have to be taken into account for balancing fairly all Jordanian needs until 2020 or 2030. The other component results are more implementation regulations integrated in this master plan (broadcasting licensing procedures, SFN and MFN characteristics, etc.). Due to the limited duration of the project, all levels of activities will have to be conducted simultaneously even though some results are de facto implementing the higher level results. .

Furthermore, Component 3 will have to take into account a very large range of factors, including if needed some public interest objectives of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive 2010/13/EC:

- Demographic characteristics, economical/income characteristics in Jordan

- Jordanian consumer public policies, social policies, education policies, linguistic policies

- Audio visual content policies, public information policies, pluralism, policies on advertising, right of reply, minor protection, etc.

- Availability and price levels of equipment

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A possible political goal of completing the transition from analogue television broadcasting to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) by a certain date would a priori be the result and not the starting point of the studies.

Therefore, this component is quite open, and this is why the impact assessment methodology will be used for moving gradually from the present landscape, to desirable objectives, to possible options and in the end to a balanced solution in a process starting in a strategic reflection phase and prolonged into the two more implementation level activities.

2 - Activity 3.1 Strategic reflection

Method for activity 3.1, which is the framework of this survey

This preliminary phase will prepare the following activities, 3.2 and 3.3, which can begin simultaneously, but after this preliminary activity. A Migration & Dividend Working Group will be created.

A workshop/seminar with all the Switchover and Digital Dividend stakeholders will be organised at the inception of Activity 3.1

After the workshop/seminar, a more permanent digital dividend forum (DDF) will be proposed for stakeholders of both DTT and dividend representatives, allowing electronic exchanges between participants. If needed, a few meeting/workshops of this forum could also be organised. This forum will be distinct from the working group.

In the problem definition step and the policy objectives step, all constraint will be listed, and where possible prioritised. Those two steps will provide a comprehensive view of all the policies and stakeholders interests, even when they do not converge. The duration of those steps may depend to a certain extent to the previous thinking and reflection of the concerned authorities and stakeholders in Jordan.

In the following step, options will be designed along different possible strategies such as:

a) Maximizing the number of broadcast programs per MHz

b) Allowing a good reception of DTT in a car or in any moving vehicle

c) Wireless broadband services

d) Wider coverage for advanced services in remote and rural areas

e) Advanced broadcasting services, e.g. connected television

f) Additional television channels, including possible HDTV broadcasting

g) Connected television

h) New multimedia broadcasted services

i) Transmitting some TV programs both in SDTV and in HDTV

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The options will be each defined by a target digital broadcasting scheme for existing channels, a target frequency broadcasting scheme for future digital channels and a target frequency scheme for other services. The combined frequency schemes will map the 174-230MHz and 470-862MHz bands. Each option will be thoroughly assessed and compared with each other through their likely direct or indirect costs, economical, social, cultural and environmental impacts. If requested by TRC, one or two preferred options will be recommended by the working group.

This strategic reflection will be concluded in a seminar dedicated to the presentation of the collected information, to the reasoning used and conclusions drawn.

The strategic reflection report (Result 3.1) will be transmitted to TRC Board with several options and their comparative assessment, each proposing a target frequency plan for 174-230MHz and 470-862MHz bands destined to be implemented further in Activities 3.2 and 3.3.

Benchmarks for Result 3.1:

Report on the possible refarming options drafted and accepted by the Working Group, attached to the quarterly report and approved by the Steering Group. 3 - Activity 3.2 How to exploit the digital dividend

Method for activity 3.2

The assumption is that the strategic reflection phase will have provided a detailed enough scheme for studying further both the target broadcasting digital services and other services. The potential radio communication services that can be introduced in the released bands could be:

a) Open services of the type defined in the Commission Decision 2010/267/EC on 790-862 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems (service neutrality)

b) New mobile services, with high quality video and interactive media delivered to handheld devices.

c) Wireless broadband services.

d) Wider coverage for advanced services in remote and rural areas.

e) Cellular communication services, New multimedia mobile services, with high quality video and interactive media delivered to handheld devices

f) Security and safety systems for public utilities and governmental services

g) Additional television channels including possible High Definition (HD) channels.

h) Advanced broadcasting services.

This activity will be performed in consultation with all stakeholders and all interested parties through the digital dividend forum. Where necessary public consultations will be performed on the basis of document approved by TRC Board for the digital dividend (Result 3.2a) and technical parameters (Result 3.2.c).

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While the digital dividend is limited to 470-862 MHz, stakeholders who will be granted this dividend can already have or be granted spectrum in the rest of the UHF band or even higher. Therefore, a fair balance of dividend allocation must take into account other higher band allocations or assignments.

Several exploiting scenarios will be developed, taking into account simultaneously regulatory and technical considerations and will be assessed on the economical, social, regulatory and technical point of view. The resulting report on how to exploit the digital dividend will be addressed to the TRC board for choosing an option (Result 3.2.b).

In the end, a technical recommendation on the design parameters for Single Frequency Networks (SFN) and Multiple Frequency Networks (MFN) will be proposed to TRC for adoption.

Benchmarks for:

Result 3.2.a: Consultation document on Digital Dividend use drafted and approved by the working group

Result 3.2.b: Allocation recommendation in 174-230 and 470-860MHz drafted and approved by the working group

Result 3.2.c: Consultation document on technical parameters drafted and approved by the working group

Result 3.2.d: A technical recommendation on SFN-MFN design parameters will be drafted and accepted by the Working Group, and attached to the quarterly report and approved by the Steering Group.

4 - Activity 3.3 Designing the transition plan and new broadcasting licensing framework

Method for activity 3.3

For the transition plan to switch-off, several transition scenarios will designed and assessed, in particular regarding the costs generated for all stakeholders (consumers, administrations, private stakeholders). Those options, after adoption by the Migration & Dividend Working Group, the will be proposed to the TRC Board who will decide on the switch-off path to be implemented and incorporated in the consultation documents (Result 3.3a).

In cooperation with the digital dividend forum, several licensing options will be designed for broadcasting audio and video services of the chosen target frequency plan. A public consultation will be performed on the basis of a document approved by TRC Board for the licensing procedures (Result 3.3.a).Options should combine elements such as:

- Constraints on content if any

- Governmental or private multiplexers

- Selection methods (auctions, comparative bidding, first come first serve..) for governmental of private multiplexes

- Associated selection criteria if any (e.g. for comparative bidding)

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- Fixed prices or reserve prices (for auctions)

- Other conditions: duration, ownership transfer or not, right to resell spectrum or not, etc

All options will be evaluated. After adoption by the Migration & Dividend Working Group, the evaluation report, together with one or two preferred options if requested by the TRC board, will be transmitted to the Board for choosing one option.

The chosen option will be detailed and the related licensing procedures will be developed (Result 3.3.b)

After adoption by the Migration & Dividend working group, a technical recommendation on the digital TV and audio broadcasting suitable for Jordan and where to implement SFN and MFN in Jordan will be developed (Result 3.3c).

Benchmarks for:

Result 3.3a: Consultation document on migration paths and licensing approved by the working group Result 3.3b: Licensing procedures drafted and accepted as adequate by the working group

Result 3.3c: A technical recommendation on SFN-MFN design parameters will be drafted and accepted by the Working Group, and attached to the quarterly report and approved by the Steering Group. Result 3.3d: Study visit will provided, and its report with evaluation sheets will be attached to the quarterly report and approved by the Steering Group

Result 3.3e: Workshops and Training Session will be held and related Reports will be attached to the quarterly report and approved by the Steering Group

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ANNEX 2 Short presentation of the Impact Assessment methodology

used in this study in application of the Better Regulation principle.

In recent years worldwide, the principle of better regulation (or better law-making) emerged as a prominent part of the best practice in public governance. An agreement between the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission (Inter-institutional agreement on Better law making, OJEU C 321/1 of 31.12.20033) requires that the European Commission uses Impact assessments for all its legislative oriented proposals. The Commission developed a comprehensive impact assessment methodology represented by a publicly available guide4 that it committed to apply.

Description of the Impact Assessment methodology applied in this Twinning and derived from the page 5 table (Summary of key analytical steps) in the Commissions Guide

Note: Steps 1 to 5 below are based on information or opinion gathering. This usually implies external consultations.

Step 1 Identify the problem: Describe the nature and extent of the problem. Identify the key players/affected populations. Establish the drivers and underlying causes. Are Jordanian authorities entitled to act? Develop a clear baseline scenario (i.e. likely scenario if authorities do not act).

Step 2 Define the objectives: Set objectives that fit the problem and its root causes. Establish objectives at a number of levels, going from general to specific/operational. Ensure that the objectives are consistent with existing TRC and Jordanian government policies.

Step 3 Develop main possible options: Identify several policy options, distinguishing where appropriate between content options and delivery mechanism options (regulatory/non-regulatory approaches). Check the proportionality principle. Narrow down the range of options by screening for technical and other constraints, and applying criteria of effectiveness, efficiency and coherence. Draw up a shortlist of potentially valid options for a complete analysis.

Step 4 Analyse the impact of each potentially valid option: Identify the direct and indirect economic, social and environmental impact and how this would occur (causality). Identify who is affected (including those outside Jordan) and in what way. Assess the impact against the baseline scenario in qualitative and if possible, quantitative and monetary terms. Consider the risks and uncertainties in the policy choices, including obstacles to compliance.

Step 5 Compare the options: Weigh up the positive and negative impact for each option on the basis of criteria clearly linked to the objectives. Where feasible, display aggregated and disaggregated results. Present comparisons between options according to impact categories or affected stakeholders. Where possible and appropriate, identify a preferred option.

Step 6 Propose arrangements for future monitoring and evaluation of the effective impact of the designed measures

Step 7 On the basis of the above, ask the TRC Board for an informed decision on which option they choose.

3http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2003:321:0001:0005:EN:PDF4http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/index_en.htm

and http://ec.europa.eu/governance/impact/key_docs/key_docs_en.htm

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Note that the above process is not strictly sequential. Until Step 5, if studies in Step N show that something had been wrongly analysed in Step (N-1) or Step (N-2), it is always possible to go back correcting the corresponding documents and findings.

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Annex 3: Acronyms used in this survey DoS Department of Statistics (of Jordan) EU European UnionDSICTP Draft Statement of ICT Government Policy 2012

(text as in the Nov 2011 Public consultation by MoICT)

MoICT Ministry of information and communication technologies

DTT Digital Terrestrial Television MPLS Multiprotocol label switching MPEG4 H264 Standard for compression of moving imagesHEVC Further evolution of MPEG4 DVB-T2 Digital Video Broadcasting second generationHD High definitionSD Standard definitionOFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple

Access European SDTV 720 x 576 pixels, interlaced US HDTV 1280 x 720 pixels, progressive European HDTV 1920 x 1080, interlacedSFN single frequency networkMFN multiple frequency network CRT cathode ray tube

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Annex 4: optimal use of frequency bands

This question is optional. Reply only if you have precise views on the best use of the different frequency ranges. Please list the optimal use which you think is applicable to the following frequencies and explain their usefulness and which system you would be operating on them: VHF frequency bands UHF frequencies [380 MHz, 470 MHz]

[470 MHz, 598 MHz] [598 MHz, 694 MHz] [694 MHz, 790 MHz] [790 MHz, 862 MHz] [862 MHz, 960 MHz] [1720 MHz, 2200 MHz] [2.3 GHz, 2.4 GHz] [2.5 GHz, 2.7 GHz]

Higher frequencies (SHF, EHF) [3.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz] [5.0 GHz, 5.9 GHz] 7 GHz band 10 GHz band 23 GHz band 38 GHz band

Download - Transition to Digital Terrestrial Television

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