Russia’s Ministry of Communications has proposed allocating an additional R26 billion (€539 million) for the development of broadcasting in the country.
Lenta reports that this would raise the total to R147.6 billion, with the main goal being the transition to digital broadcasting.
It adds that the amount of federal funding would increase from R74.7 billion to R100 billion.
Although ASO was initially due to be completed next year, it has now been put back to 2018.
By then, 98% of the population should be able to receive a total of 20 channels free of charge carried on the first two (federal) multiplexes.
With the three-year extension, additional funding will be required by the state broadcasting operator RTRS.
