Under the Broadcasting Act, 2007, RTE is required to provide a digital television service offering access to the Irish national channels - RTE, TG4 and TV3 – on a free to air basis. In addition, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, an independent regulatory body, is required to identify commercial DTT service providers.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Ryan said ‘This marks an important milestone in the independent BCI process. The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007, assigned the task of finding a commercial DTT provider for Ireland to the BCI and I am delighted at the speed at which they have pursued this activity. I am looking forward to the BCI continuing the process and finalising contracts with Boxer DTT Limited, their chosen service provider.
I know that RTE have commenced work on upgrading their analogue television network and that they expect to provide national free to air digital services starting from Autumn 2009. This, coupled with today’s decision, means that we are on schedule for the switch over to digital television in Ireland.’
-ENDS-
Note to Editors
1. Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) upgrades the current analogue terrestrial television service using digital technologies. DTT uses less radio frequency space/spectrum than analogue television and can offer more services – such as more television channels, electronic programme guides and even high definition television services.
2. DTT will eventually replace the analogue television network and the spectrum freed by this process will be used for other services – for example, other television services or for broadband or mobile services.
3. In developing DTT services for Ireland it is expected that RTE and any commercial DTT service providers will co-operate to ensure that their networks are compatible and to provide maximum choice for Irish TV households.
For further information, please contact:
Press Office
Department of Communications, Energy and
Natural Resources
T: 678 2441
E.mail: press.office@dcenr.gov.ie