The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) has today reviewed downwards tariffs for digital signal distribution; this move is aimed at facilitating a smooth migration from analogue to digital television broadcasting in the country.
According to Determination No. 1 of 2013 on Cost-Based Terrestrial Digital Broadcast Signal Distribution Tariff issued today, Digital Signal Distributors shall charge broadcasters at Ksh. 125,990 per MB for Nairobi and Ksh.93,202.75 per MB for other sites in Kenya. This new tariffs will take effect from today.
Before the review, the Pan-Africa Network Group (PANG) had proposed to charge broadcasters a monthly signal distribution fee of Ksh. 1,135,312.50 per channel in Nairobi. Kenya Broadcasting Corporation-owned SIGNET on the other hand had proposed to charge Ksh. 248,141 per MB for signal distribution services within Nairobi.
For other sites in Kenya, SIGNET had proposed to charge a uniform signal distribution fee of Ksh. 248,141.45 per MB, while PANG had proposed to charge a flat monthly fee of Ksh.378,437.50 for signal distribution services in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii and Meru. For Malindi, Webuye, Garissa, Narok, Kericho, Isiolo, Kitale, Bungoma, Embu, Voi and other regions, PANG had proposed to charge broadcasters a flat monthly fee of Ksh.126,145.83 to distribute their digital signals.
The Regulator further requires the two Digital Signal Distributors – Pan African Network Group (PANG) and Signet, to publish a Reference Offer three months from today in order to ensure that there is access, transparency and non-discrimination on the terrestrial signal distribution platform.
According to the determination, digital signal distributors are also expected to prepare separate accounts for each commercial subsidiary including the appropriate allocation of central overheads within six months from today.
In arriving at the afore-cited tariffs, CCK adopted a consultative approach where the signal distributors were involved.