Only two companies – Strong and Romsat – are likely to initially provide DTT set-top boxes for the most needy sections of the Ukrainian population.
Mediasat reports that UAH350.1 million (€32.5) of the state budget has been allocated for the receivers, with the purchase price being around UAH500 each to some 700,000 households.
However, some households will be given receivers free of charge, and in total between 1.2-1.5 million, out of a total of 17 million, will be eligible for a free of subsidised box in 2012-13.
Both Strong and Romsat, which is a local company, have promised to start supplying receivers from this month.
Other companies may be allowed to participate in the market at a later date.
