Bosnia-Herzegovina

[BA] Switchover to Digital Broadcasting on the Agenda

IRIS 2009-3:1/5

Dusan Babic

Media Analyst, Sarajevo

The Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Forum, as an ad hoc body working under the auspices of the Communications Regulatory Agency (RAK), was entrusted with preparing a comprehensive plan for the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television in Bosnia and Herzegovina (see: IRIS 2008-5: 3). This switchover undertaking relates to frequency bands 174-230 MHz and 470-862 MHz in the country.

The transition is a very complex process and represents a real challenge for even any advanced State. Many factors have to be considered, among others the size of the media market, technical preconditions, such as the accessibility of cable or satellite television, the distribution of digital TV-receivers and financial modalities.

The Strategy for the Transition to Digital Terrestrial Television which was recently developed is the framework for the introduction of DTT in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also providing guidelines for the work of competent institutions in this field, including the duties to inform stakeholders in the communications sector, as well as to familiarise citizens with the benefits digitalisation is offering to them: inter alia a better picture, better sound and the availability of many more channels.

In early January this year, a draft version of the Strategy was formally opened for public consultation. The closing date for the submission of comments, recommendations and suggestions was set for 14 February 2009. After the public consultations the proposal of the document is to be submitted to the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina for adoption.

The complete switchover to DTT in Europe should take place no later than the year 2012.