Digital TV services are now available to 85% of Russians, according to the findings of the country’s Scientific Institute of Radio.
Quoted by AKTR and rg.ru, they show that the most “advanced” digital areas are St Petersburg, with 100% coverage, followed by Moscow and the Lipetsk region, with 99.9% and 99.8% respectively.
The least developed areas are the Republic of Bashkortostan and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, where services are not yet available.
Overall, federal districts in the south have the highest availability (92.23%) and those in the northwest the lowest (80.29%).
Russia’s digital strategy is aiming for an average digital coverage of over 95% by the beginning of 2015.
By then, the vast majority of viewers will be able to receive at least 20 channels, plus additional services.
