“I am committed to the long-term provision of a free-to-air digital terrestrial television platform in Ireland. Most countries in Europe are starting to switch over from analogue terrestrial transmission to digital and for very good reasons. DTT can provide much more to the free-to-air viewer in terms of additional channels, improved quality of service and innovative new services,” said Minister Dempsey today.

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has been planning the DTT Pilot for a number of months and various procurement packages are being put together to implement the Pilot. The first process is now underway, with the Department seeking expressions of interest around the multiplexing and networking elements of the Pilot.

Minister Dempsey described the Pilot as a way forward in developing DTT in Ireland. “The Pilot is seen as a means to develop interest and momentum in the DTT platform. Initial broadcasts will transmit from the Three Rock site in Dublin and the Clermont Carn site in County Louth. Such transmissions will allow for technical testing of services, for trialling and demonstrating of existing and new broadcast channels and services and for illustrating and displaying the possibilities of DTT at the viewer and user level,” he said. “Operating on a limited third party trial basis, I expect that the Pilot will generate the awareness and discussion among broadcasters, investors and other interested parties to move towards a full national roll-out of DTT in time. I will be engaging with interested parties in this regard as soon as the Pilot commences,” added the Minister.

“This Fianna Fáil led Government is committed to creating the high-tech and enabling information society Ireland requires in the 21st century. In terms of developments in broadcasting policy, this Pilot is of significant strategic importance. The DTT Pilot is also complementary to the significant initiatives we are undertaking with regard to broadband roll-out, the development of a proactive telecoms market, digital media and digital research and addressing the digital divide,” concluded Minister Dempsey.