Bulgaria’s much-troubled transition to digital broadcasting has hit a new obstacle.
According to Novinite, the country’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has refused to approve a plan for analogue switch off, which is due to take place by September 1, 2013.
This is likely to ramp up tensions with the EU, which has threatened Bulgaria with legal action if it fails to address the issue of controversial DTT multiplex licences awarded to Latvia’s Hannu Pro and Slovakia’s Towercom in 2009.
Bulgaria’s offer to hold a tender for what would be a seventh multiplex, rather than annul the initial licence awards, failed to placate Brussels, which has also been waiting to see the now delayed ASO plan.
Several Bulgarian ministries are expected to meet this coming Monday (June 25) to work out a financial model for the transition to digital broadcasting.