Poland could see the launch of a fourth multiplex carrying up to seven new digital TV channels.
According to Gazeta Prawna, this could be the direct consequence of the availability of frequencies in the 170-234 MHz range.
The Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) said last week that these have already attracted interest from one party, and if another is received by November 19 this could pave the way for a consultation by the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT).
If there is then enough interest in a fourth multiplex, there will be a competition to choose an operator.
The launch of such a multiplex could have an adverse effect on Poland’s main broadcasters, who are already losing both audience share and ad revenue to thematic channels.
TV ad spend for thematic and new DTT channels in Poland should amount to around PLN1.2 billion (€285.7 million) this year, or 15% more than in 2012.
At the same time, the four main channels could see their combined ad revenue fall by as much as PLN400 million this year.
