The tender for Poland’s second DTT multiplex may be announced this September, while one for DVB-H frequencies is likely to be opened in mid-August.
Both dates were provided by Mariusz Busilo, speaking exclusively to Broadband TV News, who added that the two contests were entirely separate from each other. Question marks still remain about the future first DTT multiplex, which has effectively been reserved for existing FTA services.
Publicly owned TVP has expressed its desire to become a multiplex operator, while the upcoming contest for the second multiplex has already attracted interest from several parties including TPSA, the incumbent France Telecom-backed telco. Busilo stressed that the DVB-H tender was not for a national service but one covering 31 towns and cities. One for national coverage may take place following ASO, which Poland aims to achieve in 2012 but concedes may take place later.