Swedes mull DTT extension

The Swedish Radio and Television Authority (RTVV) is exploring the possibility of offering more licences to broadcast over the country’s terrestrial system.

In addition to ongoing work with stakeholders, the Authority has commissioned two reports on future market trends. The first, in co-operation with the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket), is designed to evaluate the overall TV market over the near term and evaluate the Swedish market against international development. A joint report by A-Focus and Screen Digest is due for publication on December 14.

The Authority has also asked transmission company Teracom to offer its views on technological moves including when a permanent HD network might be established. A response is expected by December 8.

RTVV says the two reports will form the basis of its strategy and whether additional licences might be offered during 2010. A draft policy document is expected to be ready by the spring.

40 national and 14 regional channels have been licensed by the RTVV, which has already expressed its desire for the introduction of MPEG-4 services introduced.