The Vice Ministry of Telecommunications has presented its proposal for a reference model for the transition to digital television, in which it details the concession model and partnership opportunities between concessionaires, details of the use of the radio spectrum, aspects related to digital solidarity, deployment of DTT and the expected results of this technological change under the ISDB-Tb standard.

Regarding the concession model:

"... 3.1. Concession model

Today in Costa Rica for analog terrestrial television services, each physical channel on the 6 MHz bandwidth can carry a single analog service (programming). In addition, the holder of the concession for the frequency is the owner of its own infrastructure and the content itself is provided with national and international programming.

However, the proposal of the Roadmap for the transition from analogue to DTT recommends that the country adopt a flexible concession model in which the operator can assume one or more roles (virtual operator of a logical channel management multiplex concessionaire and / or developer and network administrator) , which means that a third party could also assume both the role of virtual logical channel operator and / or developer and / or network administrator."

Read the full proposal (in spanish).

More on this topic

Costa Rica: Digital Television Experimental Phase Starts

September 2015

With the 11 licenses granted by the State concessionaires who currently broadcast in analog and interested parties begins the testing phase prior to the planned transition in 2017.

From a statement issued by the Presidency of Costa Rica:

San Jose, Tuesday September 29, 2015.

El Salvador Suspends Transition to Digital TV

September 2014

An injunction issued by the Supreme Court prevents the Telecommunications Superintendency from amending the National Table of Frequency and spectrum allocation.

From a statement issued by the General Superintendency of Electricity and Telecommunications (SIGET):

September 23rd, 2014. The General Superintendency of Electricity and Telecommunications SIGET wishes to inform the Salvadoran public:

Panama: Satellite Television Concession Awarded

June 2014

Cable & Wireless Panama SA has been authorized to provide a satellite television service called "Direct to Home".

From a statement issued by the National Authority of Public Services:

RESOLVES:

"... AUTHORIZE the concessionaire CABLE & WIRELESS PANAMA, SA to provide a Pay Television Service Type B (No.904), via satellite called "Direct to Home" (DTH), throughout the territory of the Republic of Panama .

Panama Adopts Digital Standards

May 2009

They are DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting) for digital terrestrial television (DTT) and IBOC (In Band On Channel) for digital radio standards.

Executive Decree No. 96, from May 12, 2009, added that the current analogue TV or radio operator is entitled to operate a digital channel or frequency for 10 years.