Ukraine’s upcoming multiplex MX-7 will use SES Astra at 31 degrees East for satellite distribution.
Furthermore, according to Mediasat, it will employ the DVB-T2 standard and carry up to 12 TV channels and at least three radio stations.
Details about MX-7 were provided by Vladimir Trofimenko, deputy head of the State Special Communications Service, and Sergei Semerey, technical director of BRT Concern.
They also said that of the 12 TV channels, four or five will be state or publicly owned, with the remainder being chosen on a competitive basis once work on the multiplex begins.
A decision on which channels will be in HD will be made the regulator National Council.
The four main reasons for launching MX-7 were given as maintaining progress in the “information war” with Russia; making access to digital TV competitive; the non-compliance with the licence terms by a private company (this is believed to be a reference to the current DTT multiplex operator Zeonbud); and allowing the Concern and state to start earning money following the shutdown of analogue TV services.
Construction of MX-7 is expected to take six months, with equipment being obtained from foreign suppliers.