Israel is to increase the number of channels offered free of charge in its basic DTT package.
AKTR and Nashe Kafe report that the country’s Ministerial Commission on Legislation has approved a bill to expand the basic package – the number of channels it contains will rise to 18 in the next year and a half – and at the same time ruled out charging for the package.
However, viewers will still be able to receive additional channels in the Idan+ package, which requires a subscription.
The bill will now be referred to the Knesset’s Economic Commission for further discussion.
In a separate development, HOT cable customers are to be offered compensation for waiting too long for customer service.
According to Haaretz, the move follows a class action filed in 2008 and applies only to customers who were with the company in the period 2001-7.
It will come into effect in a few months time and see them being offered either free access to an open channel for a month; a free voicemail account for three months or a second phone line for three months.
About Chris Dziadul
"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins. 
Digital TV Eastern Europe NEW REPORT by Simon Murray of Digital TV Research. 2012 is a watershed year for Eastern Europe as the number of digital homes for 15 forecast countries will exceed the analogue total for the first time. This electronically-delivered,150-page report comes in three parts, a PDF file and two Excel workbooks. Countries covered include Russia and Ukraine.