French need satellite as gap-filler

French viewers who have difficulty receiving digital terrestrial broadcasts will need to revert to DTH satellite in order to continue receiving their TV channels, according to Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, Secretary of State for the Development of the digital economy.

Following complete analogue switchover to digital in the Lower Normandy region last March, the National Agency of Frequencies (ANFR) conducted research into problems with receiving digital terrestrial broadcasts. Last week, the Agency filed its findings with the media authority CSA in which it reports that satellite DTH is the best solution for households who have trouble receiving the terrestrial signals.

The report is part of the plan of action to help French viewers with the switchover to digital television.

French viewers have two options for receiving the terrestrial digital channels via satellite, Fransat via the Eutelsat satellites and TNTSat via Astra. Both platforms offer a free-to-view service, but viewers need to buy a satellite receiver and a smart card in order to receive the so-called TNT bouquet.