NATIONAL
POLICY ON CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS AND SERVICES
DRAFT
November 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Executive Summary
.4
2.0 Policy Objectives
..5
3.0 Background . .7
4.0 Policy Considerations
....10
4.1 Concessions and Licences 10
4.2 Network Build-out ... 10
4.3 Convergence .. .. 11
4.4 Market Competition .. ...11
4.5 Piracy and Illegal Operators .. ... 11
5.0 Applications
13
5.1 Digital Access Index .. ..13
6.0 Cable TV Broadband Services
..
15
6.1 Telephony .. ..15
6.2 Video 16
6.3 Data ..16
7.0 Cable TV Networks
17
7.1 Wired Cable TV Network ... .17
7.2 Fixed Wireless Cable TV Network .. 18
7.3 Hybrid Cable TV Network ... 19
8.0 Policy Prescriptions ...20
8.1 Concessions and Licences 20
8.2 Network and Services ..21
8.3 Piracy and Illegal Operators ... ..21
8.4 Pricing .. 21
8.5 Standards . .22
8.6 Quality of Service 22
8.7 Compliance . .22
8.8 Consumer Protection ....22
8.9 Universal Service .22
8.10 Dispute Resolution .. ...23
8.11 Interconnection .. 23
Appendix 1 Broadband Access Technologies .. .24
Appendix 2 ITU Digital Access Index 2002 . . 25
Appendix 3 Comparison of Various Communication Technologies
.
26
Appendix 4 - Rules and Regulatory Oversight in Different Countries .... .28
Definitions
.29
1.0 EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT), through the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), has embarked on a plan to liberalize the telecommunications sector. A part of this plan is the introduction of competition in the cable television market in order to provide the public with a choice of providers of cable television and related services. More precisely, the policy will specify the modalities that will be instituted to widen the range of services offered on cable TV networks and encourage improvement in service quality at more affordable prices.
Cable TV networks have the capacity to provide broadband services including voice, video and data at high speeds and can be classified among broadband networks. Broadband networks afford high-speed access for a number of developmental purposes such as education and training, business and industry, health and leisure etc. Of significant importance, rural and remote communities that are relatively disadvantaged in respect of the mainstream of the economy will be able to participate more actively in the social, economic and intellectual life of the nation through opportunities that can be made available via broadband technologies.
GoRTT is intent on transforming the country into a developed society by the year 2020. Towards this end, the ICT sector has been entrusted with a serious and fundamental responsibility to provide capacity for rapid online exchanges that are imperatives for socio-economic modernization in a global village. Cable TV networks are one of the media that enable such high-speed information exchanges to all areas in the country.
In the circumstances, cable TV network operators and/or service providers will be afforded the opportunity to apply for concessions and where applicable licences for cable TV and other broadband services that can be transmitted via cable TV networks. Concessions will be applicable to fixed-line (wired) and wireless networks while licences shall only apply to wireless networks. The services for which concessions and licences shall be granted are listed hereunder:
·
Cable Television (video)
·
Internet access (data)
·
Telephone (voice)
· Network services (ISP, PTO etc.)
A future is envisaged where consumers will have the preference of using a single interface to access multiple communications services.
2.0 POLICY OBJECTIVES
This policy is developed for cable TV network providers and cable TV service providers It is guided by the National Spectrum Policy, the National Frequency Allocation Table (FAT), the National Policy on Broadcast and the Broadcasting Industry, the Broadcast Code and the National ICT Plan.
As part of GoRTTs plan to liberalize the telecommunications sector and introduce competition in the cable TV market, this policy seeks to:
a) Increase the range, scope and quality of telecommunications services available to the public by providing the public and the business community in Trinidad and Tobago with a matrix of choice in cable TV and broadband (video, voice, data) services by fully liberalizing the cable TV market in the country.
b) Structure the liberalization process in a manner that will realize more competitive prices and access to broadband telecommunication services to the public.
c) Create an environment which encourages investment in the telecommunications sector as a means to improve the quality and expand the range of services delivered in the country, in particular to the underprivileged and remote communities.
d) Honour the countrys commitment as a signatory to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the General Agreement of Trade in Services (GATS) for the telecommunications sector.
e) Improve the Digital Access Index (DAI) of this country.
f) Assist in bridging the urban and rural digital divide.
The development of this policy is based upon the following set of principles:
1) Creating effective competition to facilitate
affordable access to information through diversity and plurality of
telecommunications media.
2) Facilitating greater access to broadband services.
3) Connecting villages to ICTs and creating access points.
4) Connecting schools of tertiary, secondary, primary and pre-school institutions to ICTs.
5) Connecting scientific and research centers to ICTs
6) Connecting public libraries, cultural centers museums, post offices, medical centers and hospitals to ICTs
7) Adapt primary and secondary school study programmes to fulfill the objectives of the information society as conceived in vision 20/20
An objective for introducing
competition in the cable TV market is to reduce the digital divide in this
country. This implies for our nation, narrowing the gap between those who have
access to ICTs and those who do not. The digital
divide is predominantly seen between urban and rural areas where access to ICTs
is limited.
For the purpose of this policy, the term Subscription TV is understood as television programming provided by the traditional cable TV operators (wired or wireless) and Satellite (Direct-to-Home) TV operators.
A cable TV service provider is
the owner or operator responsible for the provision of services, identified in
the Policy and at minimum shall include cable TV, by which any customer may
access such services. A cable TV network operator/provider is the owner or
operator who installs, operates and maintains all facilities required for the
provision of cable TV and/or broadband services by the said network.
3.0 BACKGROUND
Cable TV was first introduced in Trinidad and Tobago in 1990 and between 1990 and 1995 a total of six companies were granted licenses. The current Cable TV market can be described as a virtual monopoly with the Cable Company of Trinidad and Tobago (CCTT) as the dominant operator in Trinidad and TRICO Industries Limited in Tobago. There also exists a monopoly in the satellite (Direct-to-Home) TV market with DirecTV as the sole provider of satellite subscription services in this country.
Predominantly in Trinidad, are a number of unlicenced (illegal) cable TV operators providing services to rural and remote communities. These operators have been in existence since the introduction of cable TV in the Trinidad and Tobago. Services offered by these operators have been traditionally at a lower cost when compared to licensed operators.
The current cable TV market consists of service providers only using fixed-line (wired) facilities, while the use of wireless technologies is virtually unexplored. At the time of inception, cable TV operators took the step and pioneered fixed-line services, partly due to the less than substantial availability and popularity of wireless technologies. Compared to the design and implementation of a nationwide point to multipoint wireless network (at that time), the ease to stringing lines across existing poles presented a more feasible method.
In respect of wired Cable TV, in principle, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) only allowed one additional cable to be placed on their poles for Cable TV providers. This resulted in a zoning approach used in awarding licences for coverage of Trinidad and Tobago. Prior to the promulgation of the Telecommunications Act, 2001 and the introduction of TATT, these licenses were granted under two classes: national or community. These licences were issued under the now repealed Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance.
The incumbent Public Telecommunication Operator (PTO), the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) is currently the dominant provider of broadband services in Trinidad and Tobago. A few small-scale companies provide broadband solutions but not to the general public.
Open access to cable TV is increasingly seen as a platform for Internet access service competition. The two most widely used technologies, in terms of subscriber base, are DSL and cable modem, comprising 57% and 37 % respectively of world broadband subscribers at the beginning of 2004.
Figure 3.0 World Broadband Subscribers at
beginning of 2004
Source: ITU and OECD
The current market structure for subscription television services in the country is provided below in Table 3.0
|
Company |
Service Region |
No. of
Subscribers (approximately) |
Market Share |
|
Cable Company of Trinidad and Tobago (CCTT) |
Trinidad |
91,000 |
84.9% |
|
TRICO Industries Limited |
Tobago |
9,600 |
9.0% |
|
3.8% |
|||
|
2,500 |
2.3% |
Table 3.0 Current
Subscription TV Market Share
Based on the market share alone, the cable TV market can safely be categorized as a monopoly both in Trinidad and in Tobago. As a result of this cable prices have been increasing rapidly since 1995. Table 3.1 provides an overview of incremental prices experienced over time with respect to subscription TV services.
|
Company |
Package |
Price |
Year |
|
69 channels 69 channels 63 channels |
TT$197.40 TT$188.00 TT$115.00 |
2004 2002 1994 |
|
|
TRICO Industries Limited |
69 channels |
TT$123.00 |
2004 |
|
DirecTV |
34 channels |
TT$130.41 |
2004 |
|
Unlicenced Operators |
56 channels 8 channels |
TT$100.00 TT$100.00 |
2004 1991 |
Table 3.1 - Pricing of Subscription TV Services
4.0 POLICY
CONSIDERATIONS
The cable TV subscription services offered through the network may include, but are not limited to:
- Cable television
- Telephony (voice over cable / VoCable and FAX)
- Video on demand
- Interactive television
- High speed Internet
- Other broadband services
4.1 Concessions and Licenses
Concessions
will be granted to suitable applicants for fixed-line and wireless cable TV
networks and/or service providers. Suitable applicants may include current
cable TV operators, unlicenced operators and future operators. In accordance to
Sections 21 of the Telecommunications Act, 2001 all concessions will be treated
as Public Telecommunications Service, Broadcast Service and Public
Telecommunications Network.
In the case of wireless cable TV operators, licences will be required for all spectrum used for channel capacity and network operation subject to availability of adequate frequency bands. Channel assignments and bandwidth allocations for wireless cable TV will be identified in the relevant Spectrum Utilization Policy and associated Frequency Channel Plan.
4.2 Network Build-out
Build-out of network to rural and remote communities will be encouraged through incentives including:
- A reduction in Universal Service Obligation (USO) for identified coverage areas.
- Temporary waiver or reduction of licence fees for parts of wireless network penetration into such communities.
GoRTT will put measures in place to reduce the existing digital divide in the country consequent upon distance and/or difficult terrain. In order to ensure remote communities are afforded fair and equitable opportunities to ICT access and are not overlooked or disadvantaged by service providers whose prime concern is to serve the more economically viable market segments, network build out to disadvantaged communities shall be encouraged.
The Authority shall identify these rural and remote communities to be approved by GoRTT for system build-out and/or expansion.
4.3 Convergence
Convergent networks have the capacity to transmit voice,
video and data (in a digital form) through a common medium. At the end-user
interface, another form of convergence can take place where equipment allows
access to TV, data, telephony and other broadband services. With no limit
placed on Cable TV operators in providing cable TV services, greater ICT
development can be achieved through this broadband infrastructure. Broadband networks bundle all these applications into one
package for the subscriber resulting in end-user convergence. Bundling of services allows for single package pricing i.e.
no separate billing for cable, telephone and Internet (video, voice and data)
services.
4.4 Market Competition and Pricing
Without competition the consumer does not have a choice of service provider and therefore must accept whatever service quality is offered by the monopolist. Liberalizing the cable TV market will cause competition among providers of a range of telecommunication services.
4.5 Piracy and Illegal Operators
GoRTT is mindful of the obligations by all service providers and consumers to refrain from copyright infringements and the use and proliferation of illegal material. To this end, the piracy of any programming material for the provision of cable TV services will be discouraged. Service providers shall therefore be required to provide evidence of all programmes sources and adhere to authorized subscription of such material, in accordance to the terms and conditions of the concession.
Unlicensed
(illegal) cable TV operators currently provide cable TV services to rural and
remote communities and a more affordable price than their licensed
counterparts. The networks used for the established subscriber base can provide
cable TV and broadband services in accordance to the objectives of this policy.
In this respect, these unlicensed operators are the only current source of
competition, although illegitimate, in the cable TV market for communities that
they serve. The Government is therefore intent on regularizing the unlicenced
cable TV operators in the country. The regularizing process will be in
accordance with the Policy and Regulations as regards to concessions and
licences.
5.0 APPLICATIONS
Information and communication technology is an important infrastructure for the cultural, economic and intellectual development of any society. In the circumstances, initiatives should be taken to promote greater ICT access to the public, especially in rural and remote regions.
Globally, cable TV systems are increasingly evolving into platforms for other broadband services such as high-speed Internet access and voice telephony. It is therefore important to national development to allow cable TV operators to provide internet access, telephony and other broadband services, or permit then to provide access through their networks to competing ISPs, PTOs and other service providers.
The goal here is to encourage the use of cable TV medium to expand the ubiquity of information and communication by increasing the number of network operators and service providers. A future is seen in which consumers will use a single interface to access all communication services - voice, video and data.
5.1 Digital Access Index (DAI) Redefining USO
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) embarked on the first global index to rank ICT access, based on data from 178 economies. The Digital Access Index (DAI) measures the overall ability of individuals in a country to access and use information and communication technologies (ICTs).
The DAI allows countries to compare their ICT status with others, measure progress and set targets with respect to ICT development. A complete list of countries and their DAI ranking is given in Appendix 2.
An overall understanding of the DAI and its fundamental factors is provided in figure 4.0
Figure 4.0 Fundamental factors of DAI
Source: ITU-D DAI
Presentation Chapter 5 2003 World Telecommunications Development Report
The four fundamental factors shown in figure 4.0 of the DAI indicate the extent to which the society at large access and use ICT services. Trinidad and Tobago currently has a DAI of 0.53, which places this nation in the class of upper-access economies with respect to ICT. In comparison to our Caribbean counterparts, this country is currently ranked below Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados and Dominica.
With the introduction of more cable TV operators offering broadband services, an improvement in the DAI index is likely in Trinidad and Tobago. This will be translated into improvement in Universal Service throughout the country.
Open access to ICT through cable TV networks is likely to affect the DAI factors in the following ways:
Quality
· Cable TV operators offering broadband services will widen opportunities for broadband subscribers.
· A Cable TV network used to provide broadband services, in particular high speed Internet, will require a greater capacity for international internet bandwidth.
Infrastructure
· Cable TV telephone subscribers (voice over cable) will add to the number of fixed telephone subscribers. The infrastructure for fixed line telephone will grow as a result of increased telephone subscribers on a wired cable TV network.
Knowledge
· Cable TV network coverage, with special consideration to penetration into rural and remote communities, will increase opportunities for distance learning, video conferencing and information access for primary, secondary and tertiary education of the population.
Affordability
· Competition in the Cable TV market and consequently for broadband services, will result in competitive prices as for voice, video and data services.
Usage
· Expanded broadband opportunities will increase the number of users in terms of the number of domestic subscribers as well as users in public locations such as Internet cafes, schools and ICT centers and the work place.
An enhanced DAI will indicate a countrys ability to support and develop investment (locally and internationally) in the telecommunications sector. Therefore an improvement in the DAI index should benefit this nation in the following ways:
· Domestic and international investment into ICTs.
· Increased participation in the telecommunication market by the business community.
· A plural society with a greater public access and use of ICTs.
· More viable economy with respect to telecommunications in the local, regional and international market.
· Improvement in the delivery, access and use of e-services such as E-Health, E-Education etc.
6.0 CABLE
TV BROADBAND SERVICES
It is necessary
that such services be made available in Trinidad and Tobago at affordable
rates. Broadband services are accessible through cable TV with the use of a
cable modem. A typical configuration using cable modem on a network is shown
below:
Source: ITU-T Recommendation J.122, ITU-T Study Group 9.
6.1 Telephony
Internet telephony services have been available for many years. This service can be provided seamlessly through a broadband connection with functionality that resembles the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
A single dedicated telephone line requires a capacity of 64 Kbps for a voice call. A cable modem may provide an upper limit of 52 Mbps. Using Voice Over Cable communication protocols e.g. the ITU approved standard Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), a great number of subscribers can be provided cable TV in addition to telephone and other broadband services at the same time.
The cable TV industry has the potential to deliver a competitive choice for domestic telephone services as well as providing public call centers with the capacity required for telephony. This is, in part, attributed to the superior economic and technological advantages of Voice over IP (VoIP).
The liberalization of the
domestic voice telephony market through cable TV facilities, wired or wireless,
will be treated in accordance with Section 85
(9) of the Telecommunications Act, 2001 given that
TSTT holds market for domestic public voice until June 30th 2005.
Appendix
4 provides a summary of countries where cable TV companies provide telephone
services.
6.2 Video
Although telephone services over broadband networks have shown relatively high potential in terms of market share, video services such as video on demand, interactive TV and video conferencing also have important shares in the broadband services market. Subscribers can initiate through high-speed video services and with the use of web cams, communication with family and friends locally and internationally.
Businesses can invest in video conferencing as a means of establishing successful long distance meetings and conferences. With the television becoming the centerpiece of communication and entertainment for most communities, indications are that demand for interactive TV where a subscriber can request various programming at leisure is increasing.
6.3 Data
Internet access through Cable TV has major advantages over traditional telephone or dial up Internet access including:
· Speed - although the data rates vary depending on the number of online subscribers, users can expect data rates up to 100 times faster than conventional analog dial-up modems.
· Connectivity cable TV Internet subscribers also benefit from the inherent always on property of the connection allowing for Internet service at any time.
· Convenience - cable TV Internet service is dedicated which means there is no tie-up or sharing of telephone line and no tedious Internet log on. Customers subscribing to both Cable TV and Internet services are provided these services simultaneously. Since these services are on separate data channels, a subscriber can use the Internet and watch TV at the same time.
As part of its policy to deepen the reach of internet access in communities nationwide, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago intends to widen the provision of cable services in the country.
7.0 CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS
This
policy seeks to encourage, where possible, co-location and sharing of network
facilities. Conditions pertaining to such arrangements and in the case of
interconnection between networks and with the Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN) shall be detailed in the Interconnection Policy and Regulations and the
Cable Television Networks and Services Regulations.
7.1 Wired Cable TV Networks
A wired Cable TV network requires that at no point would there be the use of terrestrial spectrum for the wireless transmission of information throughout the network or to the customer i.e. in the transmission and distribution phases of the cable TV system. At the headend, cable TV channels or programming may be obtained through the use of an earth station (VSAT) or any other means of authorized subscription to such material. Licences are required for any spectrum required for an earth station (VSAT) in accordance to Section 36 of the Telecommunication Act, 2001.
Spectrum
emissions from cable TV networks at points of interconnection and cable
coupling must be monitored and kept at a standard as detailed in the
Regulations and/or Rules governing standards for quality of telecommunication
services.
Wired cable has the property of a sealed environment with respect to the carrying of signals, which allows for non-interference with terrestrial and other signals. Therefore, it is possible for the fixed-line (wired) cable TV operators to deploy multiple cables, each of which contains separate signals.
Copper, coaxial and fibre are some of the media used by wired Cable TV operators to broadcast their signals. Appendix 3 summarises some of the technologies, data speeds and media used.
A wired Cable TV network may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical networks have the same capacity for upstream and downstream data and are typically used in private local loops or WAN type networks.
In the case of asymmetrical networks, there is a high downstream capacity provided by the network while the return path for upstream traffic may be provided via PTOs or any lower capacity network. An example is provided in Figure 6.0 where a Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) wired network is implemented.
Figure 6.0 Asymmetrical wired cable TV network
Possible avenues wired cable TV operators may explore, with respect to the laying down of network cables and facilities, include the common installation of cables on poles for the distribution and transmission phases with the possibility of underground cabling in any phase.
If installation of cables on TTEC and TSTT poles cannot be accommodated, then use of underground cabling must be explored. The benefits of underground cabling come as an esthetic solution and a reduction on environmental impact.
7.2 Fixed Wireless Cable TV
Networks
Wireless cable television transmits information to subscribers using spectrum in its transmission and/or distribution phases. Except at customer premises, there is virtually no hard-wired cable required to connect the subscriber to the cable TV network. Each subscriber would be equipped with a small antenna, along with a converter or decoder, which enables viewing of cable TV programmes.
Historically wireless broadband services were provided asymmetrically with a telephone or dial-up return path used for upstream communication. With the evolution and advancements in technology, operators are transitioning to full duplex (two-way) wireless delivery of broadband services.
Wireless cable technology have introduced some key benefits such as:
· Rapid Network build-out - This network can rapidly introduce high-speed data services throughout a metropolitan area without the cost or delay or wired plant upgrades i.e. rather than stringing miles of fibre, coaxial or copper wiring, a wireless operator installs a headend and transmission tower(s) and is open for business.
· Availability - Wireless cable can be made available to remote areas, areas of scattered population and other areas where it is too expensive to build a traditional cable station or install poles for cable lines.
· Affordability - Due to the lower cost of building a wireless cable station(s), a lower cost base for cable TV and broadband services can be developed and cheaper rates for such services i.e. savings can be passed on to the customers.
A commonly used term for wireless cable TV is the Multi-channel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS). Conceived as a substitute for conventional cable television, wireless cable can be operated on a MMDS platform. Another platform for wireless cable TV, but at a much smaller point to multipoint service scale i.e. typically community based, is the Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS).
MMDS is a broadcasting and communications service that normally operates in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) portion of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum between 2.1GHz 2.9Ghz. MMDS networks can provide high-speed Internet access, telephone and video services. LMDS typically operates in the 27GHz - 31GHz RF bands and can also provide similar services as its MMDS counterpart.
Not withstanding the service type allocations made in the national Frequency Allocation Table (FAT) and the current spectrum occupancy, there is no technical reason prohibiting the use of any part of the RF spectrum for analog or digital MMDS / LMDS services.
The predominant limiting factors for use of MMDS / LMDS in any given RF band are the cost of the subscriber equipment, which is primarily driven by the number of subscriber units produced and the cost of technology used at the given frequency.
The higher the frequency, the more expensive the technology required operating at these frequencies. Commercial high-volume applications for analog or digital MMDS systems above 3GHz may be possible on a made to order basis.
Subject to availability of
adequate frequency bands, spectrum required for
wireless cable TV shall be made in accordance with the National Frequency
Allocation Table and the Regulations. Identification of such frequencies shall
be made in the Spectrum Utilization Policy and associated Frequency
Channel Plan. The process for awarding spectrum will
be detailed in the Request For Proposal (RFP) for Cable Television Networks and
Services.
7.3 Hybrid Cable TV
Networks
Hybrid solutions enable a network to be tailored to the needs of local circumstance. For instance, a message may be sent by satellite to a central point or headend in a community and then relayed by microwave or on copper wires to the home.
Generally any combination of wired or wireless access may be used in the transmission, distribution and communication phases of the network.
In respect of this system, licences would be required for use of spectrum, as well as a concession to operate the cable TV network. Hybrid networks will be treated similarly to the wired and wireless cable TV network counterparts as regards to the concessions, licences granted and the fees applicable.
8.0 POLICY PRESCRIPTIONS
No telecommunications service provider will be allowed any unfair advantage in the provision of any service in the country. The Government is intent on restructuring the telecommunications market in the country to facilitate:
· a choice of affordable high quality telecommunication services
· technology neutrality i.e. non-preferential treatment of all technologies that have satisfied specified standards.
8.1 Concessions and Licenses
In this respect, the Government will grant new concessions / licences to providers for both fixed line (wired) and wireless cable TV network operators and service providers. Potential service providers should seek concessions and where necessary licences pursuant to Sections 21 and 36 of the Telecommunications Act, 2001.
Concessions will be granted in accordance with the type of network and services offered. The type of concession / licences granted will determine relevant fees payable as prescribed by the Authority in accordance with Section 22 and 37 of the Telecommunications Act, 2001.
The procedure for granting of concessions and licences will involve the invitation of applications to TATT via RFPs for wired and wireless Cable TV networks and services which will detail process for applications, evaluation, award of licenses / concessions.
The class of concession and as required licences shall be for the following:
- Cable TV only
- Cable TV and data services
- Cable TV and voice services
- Cable TV, data and voice services
(where broadband services include voice, video and high-speed data)
Concessions
/ licenses shall prescribe rights and obligations of holder, fees, process of
revision of fees, compliance procedure and penalties. Revocation and renewal of
concessions / licenses are subject to Sections 30, 31 and 39 of the
Telecommunications Act, 2001.
8.2 Networks and Services
A cable TV network operator may lease partially or fully the network to any cable TV or broadband service provider or become a service provider directly. Such service providers will require a concession and may offer the following packages:
- Video only Cable TV
- Video and Data Cable TV and Internet
- Video and Voice Cable TV and telephone
- Video, Data and Voice Cable TV, Internet and telephone
GoRTT mindful that networks should be sufficiently unbundled so that service providers are only billed for those facilities that they require. Principles for facility sharing, co-location and pricing of such arrangements shall be prescribed in the Regulations.
Equipment and infrastructure required for network (wired and wireless) build-out are subject to the relevant authorisation and rights of way for:
· construction of any towers
· laying of overhead lines
· underground cabling
· all other facilities related to the network
from Town and Country Division and all pole, tower and land owners. Concessionaires are encouraged to consult the relevant Town and Country Policies.
8.3 Piracy and Illegal Operators
In accordance to the Regulations and the terms and conditions of the concession, service providers shall provide evidence of all sources of programmes and adhere to authorized subscription of such material. Piracy of any programming material for the provision of cable TV services will be discouraged.
All
unlicensed (illegal) cable TV operators will be required to apply for a
concession to provide cable TV services in this country i.e. in order to
continue operation. Service providers operating without a concession will be
treated pursuant to Sections 65 of the Telecommunications Act, 2001. Unlicensed
operators will also be provided the opportunity to apply for a concession for
network and services as identified in the Policy, via the RFP.
8.4 Pricing
The market will determine price of services as competition develops. In the initial stage, a cost based pricing regime will be developed by the Authority in conjunction with service providers.
TATT
shall institute an equitable and commercially fair pricing mechanism, until
such time that market forces enable a similar structure. The criteria for
equity and commercial justice are determined by the relationship between
service rates and actual efficient cost of cable TV and broadband services
offered by the network.
8.5 Standards
The cable TV network operator and service provider must maintain technical standards as per Section 45 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 and relevant QoS policy and regulations as applicable. These standards must include all subscriber based or customer premise equipment (CPE).
8.6 Quality of Service
Cable TV service providers are obliged to provide quality of service (QoS) to subscribers. This includes service obligations mandated by the provider, programming content and service quality offered to the subscriber. The QoS standards and obligations will be prescribed separately under the Quality of Service Policy and regulations.
8.7 Compliance
Compliance procedures for concessionaires, licensees and all existing illegal services providers will be detailed in the Regulations.
8.8 Consumer Protection
Cable TV service providers are required to adhere to consumer protection rights as guided by the Consumer Protection Policy and Regulations.
8.9 Universal Service
In a
non-competitive environment, responsibility for universal service expansion
falls on the monopoly provider. However, in markets that are moving towards, or
in the infancy of competition, the burden of the obligation can be very
complex. Competition is likely to benefit all service providers and as such all
interconnecting service providers will be required to contribute to the
Universal Service Fund on a payment basis to be prescribed by the Authority as
detailed in the Policy on Universal Service.
8.10 Dispute Resolution
A process for resolving disputes shall be detailed in the
Regulations and where necessary, further details shall be set forth in the
Rules. The process shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 82 of the
Telecommunications Act, 2001.
8.11 Interconnection
Interconnection with PSTN and other cable TV networks and services providers will be detailed in the Interconnection Policy and Regulations and the Cable Television Networks and Services Regulations. A major issue for services providers offering voice telephone services is numbering and number portability i.e. enabling subscribers the choice of changing service provider without changing telephone numbers, will be consistent with the National Numbering Plan.
APPENDIX 1
Broadband Access Technologies
|
Technology |
Definition |
Bandwidth |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line |
Transmission of voice and data over copper |
Up to 8 Mbit/s downstream Up to 1.5 Mbit/s upstream |
Ψ Makes full use of existing copper Ψ Ideal for web browsing Ψ Good platform for voice |
Ψ Limited video capability Ψ Distance limitation Ψ Limited upstream bandwidth |
|
VDSL Very High Rate Digital Subscriber Line |
Transmission of video, voice and data over copper |
Up to 52 Mbit/s downstream Up to 26 Mbit/s symmetrical |
Ψ Supports broadcast video, video-on-demand, Internet TV and interactive TV Ψ Offers always on network for voice, video and data |
Ψ Requires short distance Ψ Non-standard products and technology Ψ Limited Scalability |
|
Microwave Multipoint Fixed Services |
Microwave transmission of video and data Point-to-point or point-to-multipoint |
Up to 1 Gbit/s downstream and upstream |
Ψ Fast time-to-market Ψ Point-to-multipoint cells have limited geographical area |
Ψ Needs line of sight to complete transmission |
|
HFC Hybrid Fibre/Coax |
Transmission of video, voice, and data over coaxial and fibre cable |
10 to 42 Mbit/s downstream 2 Mbit/s upstream |
Ψ Supports broadcast video, video-on-demand, Internet TV and interactive TV Ψ Offers always on network for voice, video and data |
Ψ Voice requires special engineering Ψ Difficult to guarantee speed Ψ High cost of upgrades and build-outs |
(source ITU, Merrill Lynch)
APPENDIX 2
Digital Access Index
2002
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HIGH ACCESS |
UPPER ACCESS |
MEDIUM ACCESS |
LOW ACCESS |
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Note: On a scale of 0 to 1
where 1 = highest access. DAI values are shown to hundreds of a decimal
point. Countries with the same DAI value are ranked by thousands of a decimal
point. Source: ITU |
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APPENDIX 3
Comparison of Various Communication Technologies
|
Technology |
Speed |
Physical Medium |
Application |
|
High-Speed Circuit-Switched Data service (HSCSD) |
Up to 56 Kbps |
RF in space (wireless) |
Mobile telephone for business and personal use |
|
Regular telephone service (POTS) |
Up to 56 Kbps |
Twisted pair |
Home and small business access |
|
Dedicated 56Kbps on frame relay |
56 Kbps |
Various |
Business e-mail with fairly large file
attachments |
|
DS0 |
64 Kbps |
All |
The base signal on a channel in the set of
Digital Signal levels |
|
General Packet Radio System (GPRS) |
56 to 114 Kbps |
RF in space (wireless) |
Mobile telephone for business and personal use |
ISDN
|
BRI: 64 Kbps to 128 Kbps |
BRI: Twisted-pair |
BRI: Faster home and small business access |
|
Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) |
384 Kbps |
RF in space (wireless) |
Mobile telephone for business and personal use |
|
Satellite |
400 Kbps (DirecPC and others) |
RF in space (wireless) |
Faster home and small enterprise access |
|
DS1/T-1 |
1.544 Mbps |
Twisted-pair, coaxial cable, or optical fiber |
Large company to ISP |
|
Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) |
Up to 2 Mbps |
RF in space (wireless) |
Mobile telephone for business and personal use
(available in 2002 or later) |
|
E-carrier |
2.048 Mbps |
Twisted-pair, coaxial cable, or optical fiber |
32-channel European equivalent of T-1 |
|
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) |
512 Kbps to 8 Mbps |
Twisted-pair (used as a digital, broadband medium) |
Home, small business, and enterprise access
using existing copper lines |
|
Cable modem |
512 Kbps to 52 Mbps |
Coaxial cable (usually uses Ethernet); in some
systems, telephone used for upstream requests |
Home, business, school access |
|
Ethernet |
10 Mbps |
10BASE-T
(twisted-pair); 10BASE-2 or -5 (coaxial cable);
10BASE-F (optical fiber) |
Most popular business local area network (LAN) |
|
OC-1 |
51.84 Mbps |
Optical fiber |
ISP to Internet infrastructure |
|
Fast Ethernet |
100 Mbps |
100BASE-T (twisted
pair); 100BASE-T (twisted
pair); 100BASE-T (optical
fiber) |
Workstations with 10 Mbps Ethernet cards can
plug into a Fast Ethernet LAN |
|
Fiber Distributed-Data Interface (FDDI) |
100 Mbps |
Optical fiber |
Large, wide-range LAN usually in a large
company or a larger ISP |
|
Gigabit Ethernet |
1 Gbps |
Optical fiber (and "copper" up to
100 meters) |
Workstations/networks with 10/100 Mbps
Ethernet plug into Gigabit Ethernet switches |