The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is to seek expressions of interest from content providers interested in joining the country’s DTT platform. An announcement is expected from the BAI in the next few weeks. The BAI will then report to communications minister Pat Carey in April.
“This Order clearly shows that the momentum for digital switchover and analogue switch off is being maintained,” said Carey. “It represents a major opportunity for broadcasters and indeed other interested parties to become a part of digital terrestrial television in Ireland.”
Public broadcaster RTÉ is expected to launch the Saorview digital network in May this year. It follows a troubled period that saw the franchise to operate commercial TV services on the DTT platform rejected by three separate parties.
Analogue switch off will take place in 2012.