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. The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica, granted 11 experimental permits, supported by the respective legal framework for official broadcasts of terrestrial digital open and free television, as an initial step towards expanding coverage throughout the country.
A study by the Superintendency of Competition highlights concentration in the market for broadcast TV and suggests accelerating the transition to digital in order to incorporate new operators.
The full report has not yet been released by the Superintendency of Competition (SC), but it has been revealed that the main point is the strong concentration in the market, which could be reduced if it faster progress is made in moving towards a scheme of digital television, allowing the entry of more operators. One alternative is to reserve part of the spectrum for the entry of future operators.
In the first quarter of the year Nicaraguans spent $31 million on household appliances, 13% more than in the same period of 2014.
Televisions, kitchens, refrigerators and stereos are the three types of appliances that Nicaraguans are buying the most. Between 2010 and 2014, imports of these devices increased by 25% due to the increase in the purchasing power of consumers.
Increased access to credit in 2014 boosted imports of appliances such as refrigerators, televisions and washing machines, which totaled $121 million, 21% more than in the previous year.
Greater access to credit both through banks and trading companies selling the appliances is the main reason for the sharp increase in imports of these products.
The economist Alejandro Arauz told Laprensa.com.ni that "...
It is expected that by 2018 the transition to digital TV will be complete, but the Salvadoran government has not yet established when or how it will be done.
The transition process is currently suspended because the Supreme Court has not resolved a law suit on unconstitutionality, because of this the General Superintendency of Electricity and Telecommunications (Siget) and the Salvadoran government have still not defined which system they will choose and how it will be implemented.
More choice and diversity in programming characterize a market where, of the 15 licenses granted, eight are in operation three are 'Preparing for Entry' and four have stopped operating.
According to statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of the Comptroller General of the Republic, there are currently 919,000 TV users, of which 46% watch cable TV, ie there are 423,000 households with cable TV service.
While mobile and internet operators are asking for more spectrum, concessionaires of radio and television are under utilizing the frequencies assigned to them.
The Superintendency of Telecommunications said radio and television concessionaires are under utilizing the spectrum frequencies assigned to them. '... In radio about 90% of the concessionaires have less than 50% coverage and in television only 6.9% of television channels exceed 70% of coverage assigned on the authorization certificates. "
An extension until to March 2015 has been made for the deadline for broadcast TV licensees begin operations in digital format in the provinces of Cocle, Herreras, Los Santos and Veraguas.
From a resolution issued by the National Authority of Public Services (ASEP)
RESOLVED:
".... FIRST: AUTHORIZE an additional period of six (6) months, until March 15, 2015, for concessionaires of the Television Broadcasting Service to install equipment and begin operations in digital TV format in the provinces of Cocle, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas, corresponding to Phase II. "
Costa Rica has initiated meetings to address the change to digital television looking to the Spanish company Ingenia-Telecom as neutral mediator between the government and operators.
In a forum held by the National Chamber of Radio and Television, companies operating open channels emphasized the lack of a public policy to order the transition to digital television.
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:
Small television broadcasters in Costa Rica are planning to join forces and obtain international financing to acquire the necessary funds to adapt to digital technologies.
Companies operating regional television channels in the country, which have more limited budgets and reduced ability to access financing, are contacting their peers in order to join forces and improve conditions for international loans and buy the equipment to make the transition from analog to digital signals.
The concession which moved channel 37 to channel 11 has been revoked, after businesses from the sector complained that the award was illegal and went against free competition.
The Superintendency of Electricity and Telecommunications (SIGET) reversed the decision issued by Astor Escalante, former head of the institution, which agreed to the transfer of channel 37 to channel 11.
Boosted by the effects of the World Cup, in the first 5 months of 2014 176,800 television sets were imported, up 61% from the 110,500 in the same period in 2013.
Importers paid VAT of $47.9 million for these goods in 2014, or an average price of $271 unit, 16% higher than the average price of $233 in the same period in 2013.
Mexico's share as the main country of origin increased to 80% for all units, while in January-May 2013 it accounted for 74%.
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 .