FRK, the association of small to medium sized German cable operators, is planning an early analogue switch-off for the channels from the two largest commercial broadcasters, the RTL Group and ProSiebenSat1 in order to jump start digital take-up.
During a meeting of the members of the FRK (Fachverband Rundfunkempfangs-und Kabelanlagen) in Alexisbad it was decided that the cablers “want a quick creation of a planning process for the switchover from analogue to digital,” according to chairman Heinz-Peter Labonte.
The operators also want to test any legal issues arising from the switch-off of the RTL and ProSiebenSat.1 branded channels. “We are now investigating the possibility of a concerted action by tenants, housing corporations, consumers and independent cable operators to test the resistance by the two broadcasters when confronted with the prospect of analogue switch-off on the networks.” At the moment not all FRK cablenets have contracts in place to carry the RTL and ProSiebenSat1 channel digitally.
During the meeting in Alexisbad the FRK also welcomed PrimaCom as its newest member.
