Russia’s third DTT multiplex will be allocated to regional channels, according to Andrei Romanchenko, the DG of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS).
Speaking at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAT) International Congress and quoted by AKTR and CNews, he added that applications from regional companies would be considered by the Federal Tender Commission next year. He also said that deployment of the third multiplex would be undertaken in phases from 2011, starting in cities with a population of over 100,000.
Although the composition of the first multiplex has already been decided, with eight Federal channels set to be joined by a regional channel, a competition for those that wish to be carried on the second multiplex will be held in the second half of next year.
Russia aims to be complete the transition to digital broadcasting in 2015.