The Polish public broadcaster TVP and national transmission company Emitel have signed an agreement paving the way for the launch of what will be the country’s third DTT multiplex later this year.
The deal will see TVP pay Emitel, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the incumbent telco TP, around PLN615.6million (€156.6 million) over a 10-year period, or almost PLN200 million less than previously expected.
The third multiplex will initially be launched on October 27 in four voivodships in central-eastern and north western Poland covering around 58% of their populations. The second and third stages of its roll out will see it cover a further 20% and 45% of other voivodships respectively, and by April 27, 2014 it should reach 98% of the population as a whole.
The multiplex is expected to carry TVP HD and the broadcaster’s thematic channels.