The Portuguese government has approved a draft bill that will lead to the launch of a tender to operate digital terrestrial television in the country. According to an official from the ministry of public works two tenders will be launched, one will effectively provide a digital simulcast of the present free-to-air analogue channels, while a second will include new pay-TV services.
There are currently four analogue channels available in Portugal; two channels from the public broadcaster RTP and two commercial networks SIC and TVI.
Cable operator PT Multimedia, and any company that already holds more than 50% of a platform, will be excluded from operating a multiplex.