The Digital Broadcasting Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has held an event summarizing digital broadcasting reform at the hotel “Courtyard Marriott.”

The event was attended by: members of the Government of Georgia and Georgian National Communications Commission, also by the representatives of the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the US Agency for International Development, Chinese Consulate, non-governmental organizations, private sector, local and foreign experts.

The event was opened by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Dimitri Kumsishvili. The works performed and the outcomes during the transitioning process from analogue into digital broadcasting have been discussed by the Vice - Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the Chairman of the Georgian National Communications Commission Vakhtang Abashidze, the Chairman of the Digital Broadcasting Agency Nino Kubinidze, the representative of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Bruno Banvalera, and the head of media and telecommunications of the non-governmental organization - the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information, Ucha Seturi.

Dimitri Kumsishvili: “Today, we can safely say, that Georgia is an advanced country, that could manage to transition into the digital broadcasting in the shortest period of time. The success of the reform was conditioned thanks to the coordinated, goal-oriented efforts of country’s executive and legislative authorities, Georgian National Communications Commission, Georgia’s TV-Radio Center, Public Broadcaster, Technical University of Georgia, international and local experts and consultants, non-governmental organizations – this was an extremely fruitful work.”

Giorgi Kvirikashvili congratulated the audience with the success of the reform and remarked, that Georgia is the only country in the region that has successfully completed all the necessary steps for the new technological platform in an unprecedented short period of time.

“I would like to thank each participant who have been engaged in the process of the reform. Also, special thanks to - Nino Kubinidze, who has performed the most significant managerial tasks for the effective provision of this project. I would also like to thank the population of this country that has met this novelty with understanding.” -stated Kvirikashvili.

Vakhtang Abashidze has also thanked all those individuals, who have been engaged in the process. According to Mr. Abashidze, along with the transition into new technological platform, the main achievement of the reform is the promotion of the broadcasting content produced in Georgia and freedom of expression.

“The reform has allowed us to make amendments in the Georgian Law” on Broadcasting” and licensing regime for TV broadcasting has changed into the simplified authorization regime. This is one of the most liberal regimes in Europe in terms of ensuring media pluralism in broadcasting.” – stated Abashidze.

The representative of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Bruno Banvalera has noted, that this process has contributed significant share into EBRDs’ activities.

“We believe, that communications is a very important field that brings huge benefits to the country. Transitioning into digital broadcasting has brought freed frequency resources, improved quality, more liberalized law, Georgia is one step closer towards Euro Commission and European standards.”

The chairman of Digital Broadcasting Agency Nino Kubinidze summed up activities provided during the reform and talked about gained results and benefits. According to Kubinidze, the country has received versatile benefits from the reform.

“In terms of the effective use of radio frequency spectrum, also, thanks to unprecedented discounts on the highest category of network equipment and the purchase of certified Set-Top-Boxes, the government has ensured maximum protection of the interests of the country and population and optimal, rational spending of budget funds.”

The representative of non-governmental organization IDFI, Ucha Seturi, has estimated the reform as well. He talked about an improved regulation of the media model and gave a positive assessment to the course of the project.

“Today, the state interferes with the distribution of commercial broadcasting only to the minimum, to the level of regulation, and this is one of the factors, which is assessed positively even outside the country….I would like to say, that this project has been estimated by our partners as successful Georgian project.”

 Nino Kubinidze and Vakhtang Abashidze have awarded all those companies and individuals with certificates of appreciation, who have expressed unprecedented support during the reform. The following representatives of GNCC’s office have been awarded with certificates of appreciation: head of the Radio Frequency Management Department Sergo Shavgulidze, head specialist of the same department – Nodar Aspanidze, leading specialist Zaza Gonjilashvili, also, head of the Strategic Development Department – Tea Tkheshelashvili and Commission’s press speaker – Khatia Khurashvili.

At the end, the documentary was presented made by the Digital Broadcasting Agency – The reform of the digital broadcasting in Georgia.

Technological changes conditioned due to the international obligations have radically transformed terrestrial TV industry. Multi - functional full range of services and efficient use of frequency spectrum is the choice of the modern world that was joined by our country as well. Due to this reform, Free-to-Air broadcasting in Georgia has reached new levels of development.