BAI Publishes Review Of Potential For Commercial DTT

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has published the findings of a review regarding the future prospects for the licensing of commercial DTT.

The review is the latest development in what has been a continuous process undertaken by the BAI to discharge its duties with regard to commercial DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television). As part of the most recent review, an analysis of current market conditions was undertaken by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates (O&O), on behalf of the BAI, together with the consideration of a number of potential business models for commercial DTT. There was also a consultation process with broadcasters and other interested parties.

As part of the review process, the Authority also gave consideration to a range of policy implications arising from the review's findings.

After careful consideration of the issues involved, the Authority has decided not to proceed with a licensing process for commercial DTT at this time and has communicated this decision to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD.

The Authority agreed with the findings contained in the report, which suggested that the market conditions for launching commercial DTT services have not improved and remain very challenging since the last unsuccessful licensing process was undertaken in 2008. In the interim, consolidation of the TV market occurred at the time of digital switch over (DSO), a crucial time during which viewers made a choice with regard to the optimum digital offering for their home.

The Authority has informed the Minister for Communications that it does not believe any statutory purpose would be achieved by embarking on a course of action in respect of commercial DTT, the most likely outcome of which would be negative and that it would be unlikely that any regulatory actions could substantially influence this situation. Whatever assistance regulatory intervention might offer, it would be unlikely that any intervention would sufficiently improve the revenue and costs associated with any of the business models examined to generate commercial interest in the DTT licences.

(CD)