PEMRA IN PAKISTAN ISSUES DTH LICENSE APPLICATIONS

Registered companies are invited to send their applications for direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV distribution service licenses, for a period of 15 years, as revealed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The names of successful bidders will be proclaimed by October.

By mid-August, all the interested companies should have already submitted their applications, with a demand draft or pay order of INR500000 (7406.32 USD); the amount being non-refundable. By September, shortlisted companies will be called upon to take part in the bidding process to issue the DTH license.

Furthermore, companies who have already handed their applications last year may not apply again as they have already been shortlisted but nonetheless, they will need to hand appropriate documents needed in the participation. Not that the enfolding of the DTH services country wise, will uplift the sector of broadcasting and the generation of content will also be enhanced. Illegal TV broadcasting will as well be better controlled with the development of the native digital TV services.

To recall, PEMRA has the responsibility to improve the standards of information, education and entertainment and to expand the choice available to the people of Pakistan not excluding news, current affairs, religious knowledge, art and culture without forgetting science and technology.

Pakistan finalizes minimum standards for digital cable STBs

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) finalizes minimum standards for digital cable set-top boxes

ISLAMABAD — In pursuance of PEMRA’s endeavor to meet the cable TV Digitalization deadline of September 30, 2016 and to ensure the maximum facilitation and protection of subscribers’ rights, PEMRA has finalized the minimum standards / specifications for Digital cable TV set-top boxes.

The technical standards/specifications of Digital Set Top boxes have been drafted in line with international practices to safeguard the legitimate objective such as quality of service, uninterrupted operation of equipment, safety and competitiveness. The set-top box shall be compatible with and ensure compliance with the minimum technical standards as prescribed by the Authority.

PEMRA in its customized standards has made it compulsory for all cable operators and equipment providers to meet certain performance and audio/video decoding requirements, equipment conformity, electronic program guide and logical channel numbering, etc.

Once the draft standards are approved by the Authority in its upcoming meeting on March 30th, the same shall be available on PEMRA website for easy access of stakeholders including the public and subscribers.

Moreover, PEMRA is already pursuing Federal Govt., FBR and provincial governments to facilitate cable TV digitalization by offering Tax Holidays and exemptions on import of Digitalization equipment thus facilitating cable operators in meeting Digitalization deadline of September 30, 2016. The Chairman PEMRA has also held a meeting with the Chief Minister Punjab last week, whereas, a meeting with the Federal Finance Minister is scheduled next week to fetch maximum support for the cable operators converting to digitalization.

CABLE NETWORK IN PAKISTAN TO BE DIGITALIZED BY SEPTEMBER 2016

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Pakistan Cable Operators Association have signed an agreement for digitalizing the cable network in all major cities of the country by September 30 this year.

Addressing a joint press conference at the Pemra Headquarters, the chairman of PEMRA Absar Alam said that 11 cities including Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Sukher, Multan and Hassanabdal will be digitalized till May 30 in the first phase. He said in this phase over 60 per cent of the cable network would be digitalized while the rest of the network would be digitalized in the second phase.

On the other hand, Absar Alam said that PEMRA plan to launch Direct to Home (DTH) system in the country had not been scrapped but only delayed to make it more transparent. With Digital Cable TV, consumers will be able to enjoy high-definition streams on their TVs and the digitalization of the system would also allow the cable operators to add new channels.

PEMRA ropes in Digital Strategy Consulting Services for DTH licensing

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a Letter of Intent to rope in Digital Strategy Consulting Services which is based in Switzerland for an initiation of direct-to-home licensing in Pakistan.

The firm will facilitate PEMRA to prepare an eligibility criteria, licence template, bidding methodology, determination of base price, recommendation on the number of licences to be issued and the duration of licences.

PEMRA had issued a tender on 30 October, 2014. Nearly five international consulting firms had submitted proposals. Digital Strategy Consulting Services was shortlisted based on its technical and financial bids in lieu with PPRA Rules.

Medialogic Pakistan launches new TV ratings service

Pakistan’s national TV ratings provider, Medialogic Pakistan Ltd, has officially launched its new service comprising 20 cities and 1,000 plus households.

“Medialogic remains committed to providing the most accurate, practical and effective media research solutions to its clients,” said Salman Danish, CEO of Medialogic. “With Kantar Media’s global expertise and Medialogic’s understanding of the Pakistani media industry, we are confident that the new TV ratings service will facilitate better decision making ultimately leading to a more transparent, efficient and dynamic TV Industry.”

The new service utilises state-of-the-art technology from Kantar Media UK. A technology partnership between the two organisations was announced last year. Medialogic will replace its older meters with Kantar Media’s Rapid Meters which employs state-of-the-art audio matching technology to measure TV viewership.

Pakistan's WorldCall selects Verimatrix Cardless DVB Security

WorldCall Telecom Limited Selects Verimatrix Cardless DVB Security Solutions for Enhanced Revenue Protection

• Leading Pakistani Cable Operator Chooses VCAS for DVB to Provide Robust Revenue Security and Support Future Network Expansion

SINGAPORE — CommunicAsia — Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced that WorldCall Telecom Limited, an Oman Telecommunications (Omantel) company and a unique telecom and multimedia service provider in Pakistan, has deployed the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) for DVB to secure its digital cable (DVB-C) network and to support the transition to broadcast-hybrid service delivery.

VCAS for DVB replaces WorldCall’s current security system, which was reliant on costly and cumbersome smartcards. VCAS for DVB secures WorldCall’s linear content library and associated revenue for broadcast services over its DVB-C network, including WorldCall Cable TV services, which offer a diverse mix of drama, thriller, action, romance, news and documentaries over 300+ channels. The service is managed via redundant head-ends in Karachi and Lahore and six regional headends in other cities of Pakistan. It is delivered using SandMartin BVA3006 high definition (HD) set top boxes (STBs).

“We chose VCAS because it integrates seamlessly with our existing resources and because of the many advantages of cardless security,” said Furqan Ahman Mubarik, senior manager, Engineering and Planning, WorldCall Telecom Limited. “Verimatrix is highly regarded as the leader in cardless security, and we are confident that using the VCAS multi-network architecture will allow us to cost-effectively expand our service offering to include hybrid and OTT services in the future — without requiring a significant increase in CAPEX.”

The cardless VCAS system supports future network expansion, including the addition of more advanced and flexible services, such as over-the-top (OTT) video delivery. The multi-network VCAS platform enables operators to combine standards-based and proven DVB technology for broadcast (one-way) networks, while supporting future extension to IP centric network topologies from a single security authority.

“It’s no secret that cardless security solutions offer many benefits, including operational simplicity, reduced CAPEX and logistical advantages,” said Steve Oetegenn, president, Verimatrix. “We are delighted to be working with WorldCall to help them realize these significant benefits while also providing a stable and scalable foundation for future growth.”

Verimatrix will illustrate the key role of multi-network revenue security at CommunicAsia 2014, 17-20 June 2014 at the Marina Bay Sands (booth #1M2-07). In addition, the company with host the latest installment of its popular Multi-Network Solutions in the Real World Forum during CommunicAsia on 18 June at 8:30 a.m. at 1-Altitude 1 Raffles Places in Stellar Room, Level 62.

Pakistan's WorldCall selects Verimatrix Cardless DVB Security

WorldCall Telecom Limited Selects Verimatrix Cardless DVB Security Solutions for Enhanced Revenue Protection

• Leading Pakistani Cable Operator Chooses VCAS for DVB to Provide Robust Revenue Security and Support Future Network Expansion

SINGAPORE — CommunicAsia — Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced that WorldCall Telecom Limited, an Oman Telecommunications (Omantel) company and a unique telecom and multimedia service provider in Pakistan, has deployed the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) for DVB to secure its digital cable (DVB-C) network and to support the transition to broadcast-hybrid service delivery.

VCAS for DVB replaces WorldCall’s current security system, which was reliant on costly and cumbersome smartcards. VCAS for DVB secures WorldCall’s linear content library and associated revenue for broadcast services over its DVB-C network, including WorldCall Cable TV services, which offer a diverse mix of drama, thriller, action, romance, news and documentaries over 300+ channels. The service is managed via redundant head-ends in Karachi and Lahore and six regional headends in other cities of Pakistan. It is delivered using SandMartin BVA3006 high definition (HD) set top boxes (STBs).

“We chose VCAS because it integrates seamlessly with our existing resources and because of the many advantages of cardless security,” said Furqan Ahman Mubarik, senior manager, Engineering and Planning, WorldCall Telecom Limited. “Verimatrix is highly regarded as the leader in cardless security, and we are confident that using the VCAS multi-network architecture will allow us to cost-effectively expand our service offering to include hybrid and OTT services in the future — without requiring a significant increase in CAPEX.”

The cardless VCAS system supports future network expansion, including the addition of more advanced and flexible services, such as over-the-top (OTT) video delivery. The multi-network VCAS platform enables operators to combine standards-based and proven DVB technology for broadcast (one-way) networks, while supporting future extension to IP centric network topologies from a single security authority.

“It’s no secret that cardless security solutions offer many benefits, including operational simplicity, reduced CAPEX and logistical advantages,” said Steve Oetegenn, president, Verimatrix. “We are delighted to be working with WorldCall to help them realize these significant benefits while also providing a stable and scalable foundation for future growth.”

Cambodia’s One TV, Pakistan’s CMG partner Exset

Cambodia’s television programming provider, One TV, and Pakistan’s Cable Media Group (CMG), have installed Netherlands-based broadcast technology provider, Exset’s Digital Monetisation System (DMS) technology to power a range of value-add digital cable services and to monetise digital television platforms.

One TV, a joint project of the Russia’s GS Group and Cambodia’s Royal Group, has installed Exset’s DMS 2.0. Using DMS-ready set-top boxes from HDT (Hyundai), One TV will initially offer an onscreen home page that acts as a TV portal to information services including sports, news and One TV promotional offerings.

CMG which carries around 100 channels, is currently in the test phase, both in terms of technology and precisely which services will initially be launched using DMS. It is using E-TEK set-top boxes for the rollout.

“DMS will give our customers a new service and will enable us to generate new revenues without increasing the cost the viewer,” said Karakhan Karakhanov CTO of One TV. “DMS allows us to obtain new revenue streams through advertising and other value-add services. ARPU will be higher that it would otherwise have been,” said CMG’s Numan N Ahmed.

Geo TV gets reprieve as regulator rules suspension 'illegal'

Pakistan's Geo TV is still on air after the country's regulator disowned a public decision to suspend three of the network's channels by five of its board members.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said the declaration by these members, made during a press conference on 20 May, "had no legal standing" because not enough board members were present.

Reportedly, five private members of the authority met in private and recommended to suspend the licences of Geo News, Geo Tez and Geo Entertainment. This meeting was not officially sanctioned, said a PEMRA spokesman after the announcement.

"According to Rule 3(4) of PEMRA Rules 2009, the chairman or as the case may be more than half of the total members can call the meeting, ie out of 12 members at least seven members can call a meeting," the PEMRA statement reads.

Many cable TV operators in Pakistan have already dropped Geo in recent weeks after the influential network aired controversial allegations that the country's spy agency, the Inter Services Intelligence directorate (ISI), had attempted to kill one of its reporters Hamid Mir, who was shot in Karachi on 19 April 2014.

In response, the Defence Ministry has accused Geo News of "false, malicious and irresponsible reporting" that is "a continuation of the policy of the Geo Network for maligning state institutions".

PEMRA says it will schedule its next meeting after it receives the viewpoint of the Ministry of Law on the issue.

Pakistan authorites raid cable TV operators

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has raided nearly 40 cable TV operators in the regions of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for airing illegal channels.

Pemra enforcement team headed by the Regional General Manager Shamim Gul Durrani seized hardware used in the illegal transmission and insertion of channels, following a large number of complaints from the public.

Cable operators whose systems were inspected include The Professionals, World Call (Pvt) Ltd, Web Com (Pvt) Ltd, SA Assocaites, Five Star Cable Network, Ocean Cable Network, United Communication Shan Cable Network, DHAI Teleman and Pasban Cable Network.

Pakistan cable operators demand ban on illegal TV devices

The Cable Operators Association of Pakistan (COAP) has asked the government to put an immediate ban on the sale of illegal Indian DTH/Dish TV devices in Pakistan.

COAP leaders claim that over 2 million illegal DTH/Dish TV devices have been sold throughout Pakistan which enable Indian channels to be viewed.

The COAP also warned that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) should withdraw the advance tax that has been imposed on cable operators from October 1 pointing out that the tax could ruin cable operators’ business.

Cable TV viewership in Pakistan reaches 64%

Cable TV viewership in Pakistan has reached 64% which is up from 55% reported in the year 2010. Cable TV viewership is much higher (85%) in urban areas, while rural regions hold 50% viewership. Though urban TV viewers are dominant, the overall viewership growth is contributed by 17% increase in rural spectators when compared to that registered in the year 2010. Overall, 51% of households in Pakistan possess a cable connection, which accounts to 13 million cable TV subscribers in the country.

There are 7.74 million cable TV connections in urban Pakistan and rural has about 5.4 million cable TV connections. It is evident that 16% of viewers do not have a direct access to cable TV in their home. These viewers either visit friend´s house, restaurant or any other place for watching cable channels.

Over the past two years, access to cable TV connection at household level in rural areas has increased from 19% to 30% with a 11% growth. As the rural TV audience base is growing, TV channels focusing on increasing their audience size will have to concentrate on this target segment. Urban TV viewership is not only stagnant but also heavily cluttered, reports Gallup Media Survey.