The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is on a move to review the monthly signal distribution fees paid by television and radio broadcasters.
The last review was conducted in January 2018.
According to CA Director Ezra Chiloba the exercise will take into account all technology advancements as well as the developmental framework in place.
The overall scope of this project is to assess competition in the broadcasting sub-sector and review the pricing and access framework applicable to all broadcasters (content providers)
CA
Quality
He further noted that the move is aimed at improving the quality of broadcasting services across the country.
According to the authority, the monthly distribution fees are set at Sh93,411 per month maximum for each site per megabit per second (Mbit/s) in Nairobi, Sh39,074 to other cities and towns, and Sh34,352 to rural areas.
“The overall scope of this project is to assess competition in the broadcasting sub-sector and review the pricing and access framework applicable to all broadcasters (content providers),” CA stated.
Level playing field
The broadcasters have however in the recent past wanted the Authority to slash the fees.
The Authority now says it also aims at creating a level playing field to enable fair competition among all broadcasters.
“Review of the competition in the broadcasting sub-sector and the Broadcast Signal Distribution (BSD) pricing framework is key in enhancing fair and healthy competition in the broadcasting sub-sector with a view to maximising the efficiency of the market,” CA stated in a statement.
