Polish DTT edges forward

The Polish public broadcaster TVP has officially chosen EmiTel as the technical operator of what will be the country’s third DTT multiplex.

This follows a tender in which EmiTel, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the incumbent telco TP, lodged the lowest bid – put in a statement by TVP as PLN615.661 million (€160.82 million). The news comes shortly after the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) issued an update on the introduction of DTT services in Poland. In it, the regulator said that it, the National Radio and TV Council (KRRiT) and Infrastructure Minister (who is responsible for the transition to digital broadcasting) are “intensively looking” to resolve the current impasse.

In it, the first multiplex, which was launched last September, is still operating on a trial basis due to TVP being able to confirm EmiTel as the official operator without having to go through a lengthy tender procedure. The commercial broadcasters present on the multiplex have already stated they want EmiTel as the official operator.

The UKE, KRRiT and minister are considering two options. The first is to enact new legislation to ensure TVP does not have to hold a tender in this case and the second to place the public and commercial channels currently on the first multiplex onto separate ones. The latter option is favoured by the commercial stations, which would like to see their services moved to the second multiplex by September 30 this year.