French media authority CSA has published its call for applicants for the planned HD DTT services in the country. There will be room for three HD pay-TV channels. Canal+ has already obtained a licence and will launch its HD programming in the second quarter. All applications have to be submitted by March 28, 2008 at 5pm CET. The authority requires a minimum of 25% native HD programming during the first year, growing to 30% in 2009. The move by the CSA shows that the authority is serious about HD on DTT, with five licences already issued (apart from Canal, TF1, M6, France 2 and Arte), bringing the total to eight terrestrial HD channels.
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Arnhem-based Robert covers the Benelux, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as IPTV, web TV, connected TV and OTT. Email Robert at rbriel@broadbandtvnews.com.