Bosnia and Herzegovina moves towards full DTT coverage
January 4, 2024
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a major step toward full DTT coverage with the signing of an equipment procurement contract required to complete the second and final phase of the digitisation project.
The €13.3 million contract was awarded to a consortium led by the company Sirius 2010 and consisting of Croatian digital TV and WiMax operator OiV.
The first phase of the project, which was completed by OiV in 2016, covered parts of the country. The second phase will enable all citizens in the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina to receive programmes from three public TV services via the DVB-T2 digital platform.
The project includes the delivery, assembly and integration of equipment into a unique system on a ‘turnkey’ basis. This includes DVB-T2 transmitter and converter equipment (gap filler) with antenna systems at 156 locations, a headend system for processing TV signals, a system for transmitting TV signals consisting of 44 microwave links, IT equipment, measuring instruments, and other necessary equipment. The project will also upgrade the equipment from the first phase to a new transmission system.
The deadline for putting the entire system into operation is 510 days from the signing of the contract, and the completion of both phases of the project is expected by mid-2025. However, with the commissioning of the high-power transmitter at the end of 2024, the second phase of the project will be completed, and most of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to watch DTT.
This is a significant development for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it will bring the country in line with the rest of Europe in terms of TV broadcasting technology. The new digital signal will provide viewers with a wider range of channels and improved picture quality.
According to the Geneva Agreement from 2006, Bosnia and Herzegovina was supposed to have completely switched off the analogue TV signal by mid-2015, which did not happen. However, this project marks a substantial step towards fulfilling that commitment.