Poland’s third DTT multiplex will officially make its debut on October 27.
In a statement issued by TVP, the public broadcaster says it will carry TVP1/TVP2/TVP Warszawa, TVP Info in its regional variations, TVP Kultura and TVP Historia. All will be FTA and in SD.
TVP adds that the rollout of the third multiplex will take place in four stages. At launch, it will be available to 58% of the population in four voivodships (regions of Poland). Stage two (up to April 27) will see its reach extended to a further five voivodships, covering 20% of their population; stage three) up to October 27,2010) a further seven voivodships, covering 45% of their population; and stage four (up to April 27, 2014), when 98% of the population will be covered.
ASO will take place no earlier than mid-2012 and no later than mid-2015. In the meantime, TVP will continue to simulcast its output and offer teletext in DVB-T.
TVP stresses that it will not be involved in the sale or subsidies of set-top boxes. The third multiplex will, be operated by TP EmiTel, which is wholly owned by the incumbent telco TPSA.
