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Outcome: May 2012: Regional Seminar for Europe on Digital Broadcasting Process of transition to digital broadcasting systems is progressing in the region, however still significant work needs to be accomplished. Good legislation was noted as an important factor for success of transition. Support of the international organizations, in particular ITU is a key for the overall success of transition from analog to digital broadcasting systems and resolving related challenges. ITU Regional Initiative on Digital Broadcasting is a functional mechanism for fostering regional and bilateral cooperation, exchanging information, building human capacities, coordinating migration at regional level and assisting administrations. Coordination of frequencies remains a key task for many countries. Different policies and plans are still applied in European countries. In this respect borderline coordination is of strategic importance. Also harmonization of digital dividend will be necessary. Some countries have already started to build coordination mechanisms through bilateral meetings and signed cooperation agreements. However, multilateral coordination will still be necessary to ensure that none of the countries is left aside or disadvantaged. Also electronic platforms for exchange of information and coordination might significantly facilitate multilateral coordination. In this context it would be important to build upon existing platforms, while supporting them and encouraging administrations to provide exhaustive information.

Outcome: May 2012: Regional Seminar for Europe on Digital Broadcasting Sub Regional meetings, like WEDDIP, NEDDIF, CEE working Group or SEE.TV play important roles in leading to the successful completion of transition and harmonized use of digital dividend. Also regional organizations might play an important role in the process and it is necessary that they remain involved. Moreover it was noted that content providers should be involved in the process as well. Also it is important to mark that Global Symposium for Regulators (in 2012 to be held in Sri Lanka, in 2013 in Republic of Poland) offers equal opportunities for Regulators to discuss regulation of ICT ecosystem, including digital broadcasting, broadband and cyber security. Administrations should not lose this opportunity. Digitization is directly linked to the broadband development. Regional meeting on Broadband, possibly this year, early September in Albania, might advance developing a strategy on wireless technologies. In this context also some solutions like stocktaking of infrastructure, special programmes fostering development of broadband access in rural areas, multi-stakeholder advisory Broadband forums (that already exists in some countries, like in TFYR Macedonia, Republic of Poland, Republic of Serbia), may serve as good practice for the others. In order to proceed with activities at the regional level, revision of Geneva-06 Plan remains in central point. It needs to check the possibility of adjusting the plan to free the frequency band(s) for other services first and then, decision can be done at the sub-regional level which bands would be used for what services and from when.

Opening Round Table: Towards Successful Transition to the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting: Country and Regional Challenges What are the national and public policy objectives to be advanced through the transition and what are the challenges for you developing the legislation framework for digital terrestrial television broadcasting? What is the role of the government in the transition in your country? Would you comment on the Government strategies firstly how to sustain growth in local content and TV production industry and secondly how to meet market demands for technical and engineering skills for in the new digital environment. Could you please provide information about your strategy on the subsidy model for the set top boxes?