Advanced Television

Spain brings forward digital dividend

March 14, 2012

From David Del Valle in Madrid

In an attempt to stimulate the economy with the introduction of 4G technology, the Government has decided to bring forward to January 2014, one year earlier than expected, the allocation of the so-called digital dividend frequencies.

By that time, January 2014, all current DTT channels should have completed their migration to other digital frequencies to free their present 790 to 862 Mhz frequencies that will be taken by telco operators to distribute mobile and Internet services.

Most of the affected channels are the most widely watched TV channels in the country, among them La 1 and Cuatro.

The switch to other frequencies will start in July this year and the Government has undertaken to alleviate the impact of the change on viewers and broadcasters with a financial aid plan still to be revealed.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTT/DSO