Polish DTT confusion continues

Poland’s first DTT multiplex will continue to be operated on a trial basis by TP Emitel, a wholly owned subsidiary of the incumbent telco TP, until the end of this month.

The news was given by Anna Strezynska, the president of the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), who, quoted in Wirtualne Media, outlined the many problems DTT in Poland is still facing.

The first multiplex launched last September and is currently available in only four locations including the capital, Warsaw. Although the four commercial broadcasters present on the multiplex would all like TP EmiTel to become its permanent operator, publicly owned TVP, which is present through three channels on the multiplex, would have to through a procedure lasting months before approving TP EmiTel.

To make matters more complicated, the commercial broadcasters would like to move to the second, still-to-be-launch multiplex and make some of the channels on it paid for. Neither the UKE or National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) support such a scenario.

TVP has meanwhile come to the conclusion it would like all of the future third multiplex, plus half of the first, assigned to it. KRRiT has said it is against such an idea.

DTT coverage is due to be extended to a further 25 cities from next month.