MDA seeks public views on how mobile TV should be regulated in Singapore

Wednesday, November 21st, 2007
Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) logo

Annex A – Summary of key proposals for public feedback on the proposed policy and regulatory framework for mobile TV services in Singapore.

  1. Not to mandate any particular standard for MTVS in Singapore (Section 2.3)
    Currently, there is no single globally-mandated standard for MTVS3. A technology- and platform-neutral framework would help the industry to grow as each MTVS operator could then decide on the most effective and feasible standard to adopt in order to grow their MTVS business and best serve consumers.
  2. To impose minimum network coverage requirements of 95 per cent on multiplex operators (Section 2.4)
    MDA proposes to require multiplex4 operators to provide at least 95 per cent network coverage to ensure consumers can receive service in most parts of Singapore. This matches IDA’s requirement of 95 per cent street-level coverage on mobile operators and will facilitate the integration with the mobile telecommunications and television in the provision of interactive services to consumers.
  3. Not to mandate any QoS on picture quality and indoor coverage at this instance but will reserve the right to do so when necessary (Section 2.4).
    It is in the operators’ interest to provide good picture quality and signal strength. Any requirement on the picture quality and signal strength at this stage could limit the flexibility of the mobile TV operator to develop the quality of its content. MDA also recognizes that huge investments may be required to provide indoor coverage and proposes to let operators make these investments according to market demand.
  4. To require both MTVS operators and cellular mobile TV operators to obtain broadcast services licenses before transmitting TV services over their networks (Section 3.1)
    Since MTVS and cellular mobile TV services have the same feel and look, MDA proposes that cellular mobile operators – SingTel, StarHub and M1 – should need to obtain the same broadcast service licence as any MTVS operator to provide television content over their networks. This creates a level playing field in the mobile TV industry.
  5. To adapt the two-tier IPTV framework to regulate the MTVS operators and cellular mobile TV operators and to regulate them under the niche licensing framework (Section 3.1)
    As mobile TV services are in their infancy, MDA proposes to license both MTVS operators and cellular mobile TV operators under the niche licensing framework to facilitate the growth of their services.
  6. To issue 10-year multiplex licences, with an option to renew for a further five years, via a comparative tender process. To issue five-year niche broadcasting service licences (Sections 3.2 and 3.3)
    The 10+5-year duration provides sufficient time for multiplex operators to recover their investment and operating cost, as well as stabilise their business. In line with the current niche licensing framework, the licence duration for the broadcasting service licence will be set at five years, renewable.
  7. To require all multiplex licensees to offer capacity to third-parties on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory conditions (Section 4.4)
    This facilitates MTVS service providers’ negotiation with multiplex operators to gain access to the multiplexes while leaving room for commercial negotiation.
  8. Not to impose advertising revenue cap (Section 4.5)
    MDA proposes not to limit the percentage of revenues that mobile TV subscription service providers can earn from advertising, to enable them to develop innovative business models.
  9. To apply MDA’s programming codes for fixed TV services (FTA content, subscription content and other kinds of content) (Section 5.2)
    The personalised nature of mobile TV and potential high adoption rate among young users for mobile services suggests the need to regulate mobile in the same way as traditional fixed TV services and protect consumers from harmful or sensitive content, e.g. pornographic content or content that incites racial/religious hatred.
  10. Not to impose public service broadcasting (PSB) obligations (Section 5.3.1)
    Mobile TV operators’ costs may increase if they are required to carry PSB programmes and this could have a negative impact on mobile TV viability.
  11. Not to impose must-carry obligations on commercial mobile TV operators (Section 5.3.2) Must-carry obligations could result in opportunity costs as the capacity used to carry FTA channels could be utilised to provide new content instead. This could seriously impact the viability of a subscription-based mobile TV service.
  12. To require mobile TV operators not to block access by their users to any local FTA channels offered by MediaCorp using compatible technologies (Section 5.3.2)
    This proposal will enable consumers to receive FTA channels (if available) if their service provider is using a technology that is compatible with the technology adopted by MediaCorp.
  13. To apply the current framework for advertising regulation (as specified in the MDA TV advertising and sponsorship codes and voluntary SCAP code and) to mobile TV services (Section 5.4)
    Applying the current advertising regulatory framework to mobile TV services will protect the consumers’ interests and viewing pleasure as there will be fewer commercial interruptions.

Notes:
1. Strengthening the Internal Market for Mobile TV
2. Over 240 Million TV-Enabled Handsets and Over $2.9 Billion of Infrastructure Equipment To Be Sold By 2011
3. MTVS refers to mobile TV service which uses one-way point-to-multipoint radio transmission over a dedicated network which is separate from the cellular network.
4. A multiplex is a collection of television programmes, radio and data services that are broadcast together in a digital signal which occupies one assigned frequency spectrum.