Digital funding shock for Russia

The transition to digital broadcasting in Russia could prove much more costlier than previously expected.

According to Cableman, the conversion of the frequency range in the transition, which is scheduled for completion in 2015, is likely to be around R60 billion (€1.38 billion).

The figure until 2012 is R34 billion, though only R1.5 billion has so far been allocated.

One way of bringing down the costs would be to employ frequencies currently allocated to the military. At present only 2% of the frequencies available in Russia are allocated for civilian use, whereas in other parts of Europe the figure is closer to70%.