French broadcast regulator Le Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA) has confirmed plans for three new pay-TV channels on the country’s DTT system.
The CSA has issued a call the first of the channels that will broadcast in the R3 multiplex. The Higher Audiovisual Council set October 15, 2010 as the deadline for submissions. A public hearing would be held in December that would select the candidate before official authorisation is given in January 2011.
Further capacity within R3 will be advertised in September.
Also during the third quarter two more pay-TV channels and two free-to-air high definition channels will be advertised.
“The CSA plans to give another chance to pay on DTT,” said CSA President Michel Boyon. “Pay-TV can meet the expectations of free channels which can provide an appropriate response.”
Consultancy firm NPA Conseil recently estimated that pay-DTT services can be expected to reach between 1.35 and 1.45 million subscribers by 2012.
