Analog distribution obligation to be gradually lifted
Switzerland is focusing on the digitization of cable networks in the medium term. The department headed by Federal Councilor Doris Leuthard intends to exempt cable network operators that currently offer both analog and digital services from the requirement to provide analog broadcasts.
This is intended to support the digitization efforts of cable network companies and create the possibility of abolishing the analogue broadcasting obligation in the longer term, as reported by the Uvek according to SDA. The broadcasting obligation in the analogue sector is to be gradually reduced when a high proportion of households are equipped with digital devices and analogue programming is only marginally used.
One analog TV channel requires the capacity of ten digital TV channels. According to Uvek, maintaining an analog network therefore prevents the development of new digital offerings. In addition, cable network operators would be at a disadvantage compared to those competitors who are not forced to distribute their channels in analog form - such as Swisscom TV.
Gradual discontinuation of analog broadcasting
Depending on the region, there is currently a broadcasting obligation for almost twenty domestic and foreign television channels: in addition to the SRG channels, these are the regional television channels with a license in their coverage area as well as eight foreign television channels (Arte, TV5, 3Sat, ARD, ORF 1, France 2, Rai Uno, Euronews).
According to the Uvek, a realistic scenario would be to first abolish the analog broadcasting obligation for foreign television channels. After that, analog broadcasting of the second SRG channels could be dispensed with before the broadcasting obligation is lifted completely.
Before implementation, the Uvek still has to set threshold values - for example, those for the number of households that already have a digital end device. In its report on the consultation process, the department mentioned that at least 80% of households would have to receive digital television for it to be implemented. According to industry experts, this figure will be reached in 2014. Switzerland currently has 2.8 million households with a cable connection, 1.1 million of which have digital access.
Furthermore, the Uvek relieve the financial burden on regional television stations with a public service mandate in future. The self-financing ratio of TV stations is to be reduced from 50 percent to 30 percent.
Stakeholders have until March 30 to submit their comments on the draft amendment to the Radio and Television Ordinance (RTVO) to the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).
