Sky Italia has told the Ministry of Economic Development and the European Commission that it is withdrawing its application for digital terrestrial frequencies. The broadcaster is blaming the protracted process and the uncertain outcome that it says has made it impossible to budget for any investment.
The so-called ‘beauty contest’ was initiated by the previous government under Silvio Berlusconi, Sky Italia receiving approval from the European Commission after being controversially excluded by the Italian authorities.
“We hope that our decision, as difficult and weighty as it might be, provides the impetus for an open and constructive debate on the future of television in Italy. A future that in Italy, as in other countries, sees the emergence of new business models based on technologies besides DTT,” said Andrea Zappia, CEO, Sky Italia.
Zappia added that the decision did not alter Sky’s policy to continue investing in the country.
