Poland - DTT launch set for September 2009

According to the head of the Polish broadcast regulator KRRiT, a first nationwide DTT multiplex will launch in September 2009. DTT services will be available in the cities of Warsaw, Zielona Gora, Poznan and Zagan. The first multiplex will simulcast the existing analogue terrestrial television platform (TVP1, TVP2, TVP Info, Polsat, TVN, TV4 and TV Puls). A total of three multiplexes will provide services using the MPEG-4 AVC compression format. All services will be available free-to-air. A tender for the operation of a second DTT multiplex is expected to be announced by the end of 30 January 2009. Only three services offered by this multiplex will be selected by the broadcast regulator KRRiT, the others will be chosen by the multiplex operator. The third multiplex will be operated by the public service operator TVP. €96.5 million will be allocated in subsidies to help vulnerable households prepare for digital switchover. Analogue switch-off is set to be completed by 31 July 2013. Poland expedites digital switchover for more than a year due to the upcoming UEFA Football Championship taking place in 2012. According to the Polish state authorities, Ukraine and Poland have announced the plans for closer cooperation regarding the introduction of DVB-T broadcasting in both countries by 2012.

27.01.2009