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The electronic media industry began
its first close examination of digital switchover at a workshop
organized by the Broadcasting Commission in March, in Kingston. The
discussion involved more than 100 representatives of the
broadcasting and cable industry, telecommunications, transmission
and retail sectors, and consumer advocacy body.
Main regulatory agencies and
policy-makers were also involved including the Spectrum Management
Authority, Office of Utilities Regulation, Consumer Affairs
Commission, Ministry of Industry, Telecommunications, Energy and
Commerce, Ministry of Information, and members of academia.
Rapportuer's Report - Digital Switchover
Workshop
Hon. Olivia
Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports speaks
with Broadcasting Commission Chairman, Hopeton Dunn at the workshop.
The Minister announced that plans were advanced in the policy sector
for the issuing of an island wide wireless licence.
What Is The Digital Switch-Over?
 A
change has started in some broadcasting sectors internationally as
some countries advance from analogue systems – the type of radio and
TV systems that most Jamaicans have in their homes – to digital
radio and television.
The planned transition to the new
platform and the eventual switch off of analogue signals is called
digital switchover.
Visiting consultant, Michael Starks
presented a comprehensive overview of the experience of digital
switchover in pioneering countries.
Comprehensive overview
That presentation provoked
questions and views on the economic, environmental, and political
considerations of transfer to digital platforms.
Next Steps
The next steps will be a meeting of public sector, private
sector and civil society to constitute a National Consultative
Committee for Digital Switchover to serve as a hub for strategic
planning and coordination of the national effort.
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