Bosnia-Herzegovina postpones DTT test
September 29, 2016
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
The Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina has postponed the launch of the test DTT signal for the first half of October.
Previously, the line ministry, in cooperation with the country’s three public broadcasters (BHRT, RTV FBiH and RTRS), announced the start of the test digital TV signal for September 29th, in the cities of Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar.
Although all the technical and organizational conditions have been met, the Ministry received a letter from RTRS, suggesting that the launch be postponed until the first half of October. The Ministry, subsequently, accepted the request.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was the only country in Europe to miss the June 17th 2015 deadline for the start of digital terrestrial broadcasting.
The country opted to use the DVB-T2 standard, which has already been implemented by its neighbours (Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro). The first two stages for the introduction of DTT have so far cost Bosnia and Herzegovina around BAM 19 million (€9.5 million).
Commercial TV channels (such as Pink BH, OBN, BN, Hajat, ATV) will not participate in the test broadcasts, as a decision by the Council of Ministers is required for the use of digital multiplexes, based on which the Regulatory Communications Agency (RAK) will issue the necessary licences.