CAN USF BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE FTA TRANSMISSION
Listers, Recently, Multichoice has indicated that it may need FTA users of its GOTV service to pay a small annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of transmission. This issue has repeatedly raised hackles because, licensed pay-TV providers like GOTV and Startimes are also required by law to carry FTA channels, the "Must-carry" rule. It is not clear who is supposed to cater for the cost of this transmission. Typically, FTA analogue transmission costs were recouped through advertising. So it would seem that there is an issue that needs resolving here particularly when you consider that if there is any after service required, like a problem with the set top boxes, be it GOTV, Startimes, Safaricom etc you return them for service to the respective platform owner. Which raises the question, given that we have a Universal Service Fund to which Telcos/Broadcaster/Network operators contribute to which is meant to facilitate access to Information and Communication Technology to all, why can't this Fund be used to subsidize access to these FTA channels to those who wish to have them? The CA should consider shielding viewers who want to have FTA channels from other incidental costs by reimbursing platform owners for the cost implications of the "Must-carry" rule. My two cents. JG
Listers, Recently, Multichoice has indicated that it may need FTA users of its GOTV service to pay a small annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of
This issue has repeatedly raised hackles because, licensed pay-TV
It is not clear who is supposed to cater for the cost of this
So it would seem that there is an issue that needs resolving here
The National Broadband Strategy proposes subsidies be applied towards increasing access to Set Top Boxes (Decoders) etc - not sure about transmission networks. From where I stand, the higher priority access challenge is in making decoders readily available to all. CAPEX for transmission has been eliminated for all CSP by having BSDs handle that. The operating (or maintenance) costs are not high enough to justify intervention from the USF. Refer to the NBS2013 / Broadband4Kenya which was launched by the CA. On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, James Mbugua via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote: transmission. providers like GOTV and Startimes are also required by law to carry FTA channels, the "Must-carry" rule. transmission. Typically, FTA analogue transmission costs were recouped through advertising. particularly when you consider that if there is any after service required, like a problem with the set top boxes, be it GOTV, Startimes, Safaricom etc you return them for service to the respective platform owner.
Which raises the question, given that we have a Universal Service Fund to which Telcos/Broadcaster/Network operators contribute to which is meant to facilitate access to Information and Communication Technology to all, why can't this Fund be used to subsidize access to these FTA channels to those who wish to have them? The CA should consider shielding viewers who want to have FTA channels from other incidental costs by reimbursing platform owners for the cost implications of the "Must-carry" rule. My two cents. JG < https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/pBXDxAdiFPLAdKYnYbRqQjbMfLVczPMYVedgvWYpReVqZclgkOkob0lEack_KS2VqAmEWeYAP2pRVT6SCpKe5VhElmlVzJlHRp6MbH5cGl_X6rJ5mm8iv8qg9kqUYZWGXnVmk63R0oPrrdUraEC5qobLXYON7Jj2fqhIKWHwEce87YiKZljeuZHaviKOThSST1fpGwd9puH034I9rnWiPIVgpz1eQtcNUmLCFikAT8N7ktMOU8Eavy8mKffoVA2an0PrmA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://t.signauxsix.com/e1t/o/5/f18dQhb0S7ks8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9gXrN7sKj6v5df9RN64kxbFRYHc-N8rBqW6QFLCHW5wfQ8G1k1H6H0?si=5495672839077888&pi=bf84035c-c5a5-4d5a-aca3-40ee41e31942
-- *Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us. *
Interesting but complex answer, engineer is it possible to expound on your answer in way Wanjiku can understand. I am keen to know your take in so far as the right for citizens to access information is concerned. Regards On Jun 9, 2015 5:17 PM, "Eng. Wainaina Mungai via kictanet" < [email protected]> wrote:
The National Broadband Strategy proposes subsidies be applied towards increasing access to Set Top Boxes (Decoders) etc - not sure about transmission networks. From where I stand, the higher priority access challenge is in making decoders readily available to all. CAPEX for transmission has been eliminated for all CSP by having BSDs handle that. The operating (or maintenance) costs are not high enough to justify intervention from the USF.
Refer to the NBS2013 / Broadband4Kenya which was launched by the CA.
Listers, Recently, Multichoice has indicated that it may need FTA users of its GOTV service to pay a small annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of
This issue has repeatedly raised hackles because, licensed pay-TV
It is not clear who is supposed to cater for the cost of this
So it would seem that there is an issue that needs resolving here
Which raises the question, given that we have a Universal Service Fund to which Telcos/Broadcaster/Network operators contribute to which is meant to facilitate access to Information and Communication Technology to all, why can't this Fund be used to subsidize access to these FTA channels to
On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, James Mbugua via kictanet < [email protected]> wrote: transmission. providers like GOTV and Startimes are also required by law to carry FTA channels, the "Must-carry" rule. transmission. Typically, FTA analogue transmission costs were recouped through advertising. particularly when you consider that if there is any after service required, like a problem with the set top boxes, be it GOTV, Startimes, Safaricom etc you return them for service to the respective platform owner. those who wish to have them?
The CA should consider shielding viewers who want to have FTA channels from other incidental costs by reimbursing platform owners for the cost implications of the "Must-carry" rule. My two cents. JG < https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/pBXDxAdiFPLAdKYnYbRqQjbMfLVczPMYVedgvWYpReVqZclgkOkob0lEack_KS2VqAmEWeYAP2pRVT6SCpKe5VhElmlVzJlHRp6MbH5cGl_X6rJ5mm8iv8qg9kqUYZWGXnVmk63R0oPrrdUraEC5qobLXYON7Jj2fqhIKWHwEce87YiKZljeuZHaviKOThSST1fpGwd9puH034I9rnWiPIVgpz1eQtcNUmLCFikAT8N7ktMOU8Eavy8mKffoVA2an0PrmA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://t.signauxsix.com/e1t/o/5/f18dQhb0S7ks8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9gXrN7sKj6v5df9RN64kxbFRYHc-N8rBqW6QFLCHW5wfQ8G1k1H6H0?si=5495672839077888&pi=bf84035c-c5a5-4d5a-aca3-40ee41e31942
--
*Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us. *
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Interesting but complex answer, engineer is it possible to expound on your answer in way Wanjiku can understand. I am keen to know your take in so far as the right for citizens to access information is concerned.
Regards
On Jun 9, 2015 5:17 PM, "Eng. Wainaina Mungai via kictanet" < [email protected]> wrote:
The National Broadband Strategy proposes subsidies be applied towards
increasing access to Set Top Boxes (Decoders) etc - not sure about
Refer to the NBS2013 / Broadband4Kenya which was launched by the CA.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, James Mbugua via kictanet <
[email protected]> wrote:
Listers, Recently, Multichoice has indicated that it may need FTA users of its GOTV service to pay a small annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of
This issue has repeatedly raised hackles because, licensed pay-TV
It is not clear who is supposed to cater for the cost of this
So it would seem that there is an issue that needs resolving here
Which raises the question, given that we have a Universal Service Fund to which Telcos/Broadcaster/Network operators contribute to which is meant to facilitate access to Information and Communication Technology to all, why can't this Fund be used to subsidize access to these FTA channels to
Free to Air should remain free. No cost to the consumer except owning a decoder. The PayTV providers and signal distributors should either charge the content sources/providers or work out other ways for their repayment for carrying FTA on that end - not from consumers. On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, Barrack Otieno <[email protected]> wrote: transmission networks. From where I stand, the higher priority access challenge is in making decoders readily available to all. CAPEX for transmission has been eliminated for all CSP by having BSDs handle that. The operating (or maintenance) costs are not high enough to justify intervention from the USF. transmission. providers like GOTV and Startimes are also required by law to carry FTA channels, the "Must-carry" rule. transmission. Typically, FTA analogue transmission costs were recouped through advertising. particularly when you consider that if there is any after service required, like a problem with the set top boxes, be it GOTV, Startimes, Safaricom etc you return them for service to the respective platform owner. those who wish to have them?
The CA should consider shielding viewers who want to have FTA channels from other incidental costs by reimbursing platform owners for the cost implications of the "Must-carry" rule. My two cents. JG < https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/pBXDxAdiFPLAdKYnYbRqQjbMfLVczPMYVedgvWYpReVqZclgkOkob0lEack_KS2VqAmEWeYAP2pRVT6SCpKe5VhElmlVzJlHRp6MbH5cGl_X6rJ5mm8iv8qg9kqUYZWGXnVmk63R0oPrrdUraEC5qobLXYON7Jj2fqhIKWHwEce87YiKZljeuZHaviKOThSST1fpGwd9puH034I9rnWiPIVgpz1eQtcNUmLCFikAT8N7ktMOU8Eavy8mKffoVA2an0PrmA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://t.signauxsix.com/e1t/o/5/f18dQhb0S7ks8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9gXrN7sKj6v5df9RN64kxbFRYHc-N8rBqW6QFLCHW5wfQ8G1k1H6H0?si=5495672839077888&pi=bf84035c-c5a5-4d5a-aca3-40ee41e31942
--
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our
Creator who loves us.
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
-- *Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us. *
Multichoice / GoTV are not being either sincere or transparent. What happened when you have a digital ready TV set and you do not use any proprietary Free to Air set top box. Will you still be required to pay anything? On Jun 9, 2015 6:18 PM, "Eng. Wainaina Mungai via kictanet" < [email protected]> wrote:
Free to Air should remain free. No cost to the consumer except owning a decoder.
The PayTV providers and signal distributors should either charge the content sources/providers or work out other ways for their repayment for carrying FTA on that end - not from consumers.
Interesting but complex answer, engineer is it possible to expound on your answer in way Wanjiku can understand. I am keen to know your take in so far as the right for citizens to access information is concerned.
Regards
On Jun 9, 2015 5:17 PM, "Eng. Wainaina Mungai via kictanet" < [email protected]> wrote:
The National Broadband Strategy proposes subsidies be applied towards
increasing access to Set Top Boxes (Decoders) etc - not sure about
Refer to the NBS2013 / Broadband4Kenya which was launched by the CA.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, James Mbugua via kictanet <
[email protected]> wrote:
Listers, Recently, Multichoice has indicated that it may need FTA users of its GOTV service to pay a small annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of
This issue has repeatedly raised hackles because, licensed pay-TV
It is not clear who is supposed to cater for the cost of this
So it would seem that there is an issue that needs resolving here
On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, Barrack Otieno <[email protected]> wrote: transmission networks. From where I stand, the higher priority access challenge is in making decoders readily available to all. CAPEX for transmission has been eliminated for all CSP by having BSDs handle that. The operating (or maintenance) costs are not high enough to justify intervention from the USF. transmission. providers like GOTV and Startimes are also required by law to carry FTA channels, the "Must-carry" rule. transmission. Typically, FTA analogue transmission costs were recouped through advertising. particularly when you consider that if there is any after service required, like a problem with the set top boxes, be it GOTV, Startimes, Safaricom etc you return them for service to the respective platform owner.
Which raises the question, given that we have a Universal Service Fund to which Telcos/Broadcaster/Network operators contribute to which is meant to facilitate access to Information and Communication Technology to all, why can't this Fund be used to subsidize access to these FTA channels to those who wish to have them? The CA should consider shielding viewers who want to have FTA channels from other incidental costs by reimbursing platform owners for the cost implications of the "Must-carry" rule. My two cents. JG < https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/pBXDxAdiFPLAdKYnYbRqQjbMfLVczPMYVedgvWYpReVqZclgkOkob0lEack_KS2VqAmEWeYAP2pRVT6SCpKe5VhElmlVzJlHRp6MbH5cGl_X6rJ5mm8iv8qg9kqUYZWGXnVmk63R0oPrrdUraEC5qobLXYON7Jj2fqhIKWHwEce87YiKZljeuZHaviKOThSST1fpGwd9puH034I9rnWiPIVgpz1eQtcNUmLCFikAT8N7ktMOU8Eavy8mKffoVA2an0PrmA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://t.signauxsix.com/e1t/o/5/f18dQhb0S7ks8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9gXrN7sKj6v5df9RN64kxbFRYHc-N8rBqW6QFLCHW5wfQ8G1k1H6H0?si=5495672839077888&pi=bf84035c-c5a5-4d5a-aca3-40ee41e31942
--
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in
our Creator who loves us.
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
--
*Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us. *
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
participants (4)
-
Barrack Otieno -
Eng. Wainaina Mungai -
James Mbugua -
Mwendwa Kivuva