GSMA urges policymakers to emulate digital migration experience in Kenya

The Global System Mobile Association (GSMA) has launched a new report, Digital Migration Process in Kenya, to highlight the valuable lessons that can be derived from the country’s experience with its digital switchover in the last 10 years. The report provides useful information and guidance to regulators and policymakers from other countries where similar migration processes are ongoing or being planned.

“For countries that want to connect more of their citizens to the enabling power of mobile technology, making the digital dividend spectrum (700/800 MHz band) available is key to expanding coverage,” said Mr John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA.

“As one of the largest and most diverse economies in East Africa, Kenya is a hub for technology and innovation in the region. One thing the country’s digital television migration shows is that, irrespective of the challenges faced, they can be overcome,” he added.

Planning for the analogue to digital television migration in Kenya began in 2006. The government had a powerful vision that the migration would not only be a vehicle to deliver improved audio-visual content to Kenyan consumers, but would also more efficiently and effectively utilise spectrum, freeing up the Digital Dividend spectrum band for mobile.

Digital Dividend spectrum is ideal for reaching more people with mobile broadband, as these lower-frequency bands can cover wider areas with fewer base stations than higher frequencies. This reduces deployment costs and allows operators to provide broader, more affordable coverage, especially in rural areas where connectivity can be a challenge. But it is about more than just rural areas; Digital Dividend spectrum also delivers benefits in urban areas, providing improved indoor coverage as these frequencies can more easily penetrate buildings.

In Kenya, as in other countries, the digital migration process required consideration and implementation of a broad range of issues including policy, the state of the broadcasting market, funding for the migration, public outreach, consumer equipment availability and the inclusion of stakeholders in the planning process.

“For the benefit of citizens throughout the world, the Digital Dividend should be allocated and assigned for mobile broadband use in alignment with regionally harmonised band plans as soon as possible. A smooth and efficient digital migration is a key enabler to realising the true benefits of the Digital Dividend,” added Giusti.