The CNMC takes positions on the draft royal decree of the new National Technical Plan for DTT

This Plan regulates key aspects for the release of the second digital dividend that will free up the 700 MHz band. DTT currently represents 76% of the screen share in Spain.

The CNMC just posted an ireport on the draft royal decree which approves the new National Technical Plan for DTT. This Plan regulates key aspects for the release of the second digital dividend that will free up the 700 MHz band currently occupied by DTT.

The Government has decided to give urgent processing for the approval of this royal decree. The change of frequencies assigned to DTT must occur, according to the determination of the community institutions, before June 2020. This band will be used mainly for advanced electronic communications services to boost communication services. fifth generation mobile telephony (5G).

The CNMC positively values in its report both the liberalization of the 700 MHz band and the guarantee of continuity of all licenses.

Furthermore, the CNMC also considers it positive that it is foreseen, in line with community regulations, that the 470-694 MHz band is used for the provision of the DTT service, at least until 2030. The currently existing channel offering will be maintained in this band. Each digital multiplex will have the capacity to integrate four high definition television channels, while current broadcasts in standard definition will be able to continue until 2023, at which time they must evolve to high definition. The chains will be able to resort for a time to the call simulcast, a simultaneous broadcast on the old and new bands, until they permanently change frequency.

Based on the current offer of channels from national operators, the multiples could remain like this after the move (naturally the offer may vary depending on the plans of the broadcasters, especially CRTVE, which will obtain additional capacity, and as the current agreements between broadcasters evolve).

DTT and satellite

In this report, the CNMC proposes that, to prevent discrimination against broadcast platforms other than DTT (such as satellite platforms), the conditions that public initiatives must meet in the extension of DTT coverage be modified, so that public administrations can obtain the consent of DTT broadcasters to broadcast their channels and content (and this before the contracting procedures are completed), and that these coverage extension services be provided without economic consideration by broadcasters, on any technological platform.

Likewise, the CNMC understands that the exploitation of electronic communications networks that serve as support for the dissemination of the digital television service in areas where there is no DTT service coverage should be classified as an activity “not available to the general public” and not under the self-provision regime.