• • • Interactive services possible if STB has an Ethernet pot and viewer is connected externally to internet There is wider choice of TV programs • People with hearing disability now able to use subtitle feature of STB to enjoy their viewing experience • People with visual impairment can use the audio description of picture function on STBs (not all STBs support the function) • DTT will bring viewing convenience eg catch up services that allow users to watch programs at times of their choice • DTT enhances better profitability than analogue services because cost/service is lower • Release of spectrum in the frequency band 790- 862 MHz ie digital dividend allows telecommunications players to offer mobile broadband in rural areas at lower cost thereby bridging the digital divide between the rural and urban populations. 20 Policy proposals STB policy- the DTT migration project must be consumer centred and not infrastructure centred. There is need for policy to make STBs available and affordable. There is need to subsidise the STBs and the nature and level of subsidy must be clearly stipulated. There must be policy positions on: 1. Who will do the sourcing and distribution of the STBs 2. Structured training of STB installers as a youth empowerment program 3. Technical specifications of the STBs and integrated digital TVs IDTV sets must be put in place to avoid dumbing of substandard gadgets into the country 4. There must be mechanisms to enforce quality controls of the STBs / IDTVs, and receive antennae. 5. Interoperability of decoders to protect viewers from having to buy separate decoders to access services from different service providers. 6. There must be proper communication strategy on consumer awareness and preparedness through all media platforms ie electronic, print, road shows, talk shows, outdoor advertising , jingles. The jingles must be made to cater for different age groups. 7. There must be clarity on dual illumination guidelines. There must be a minimum threshold of viewers with STBs before switching off the analogue services to avoid consumer blackout. 8. Multiplex and transmission charges-: There should be costing and pricing framework in the DTT market to promote fair charges by the multiplex operator and signal carrier company. The regulator must put a cap on charges per transmission site to avoid high transmission fees that will suffocate new entrants. 19