Russia considers digital transition

A body known as Rossvyazokhrankuktura has produced a plan for the transition to digital broadcasting in Russia, according to local reports. Likely to be submitted to the government commission on digital TV, it envisages costs of R235.4 billion (€6.63 billion), of which €57.2 billion would be provided by the state. Two other parties – the Ministry of IT and Communications and Russian television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS) – have already submitted proposals for the transition, both of which include the provision of free set-top boxes. Rossvyazokhrankuktura’s goes one stage further by also including plans for both cable TV services and FM broadcasting.