The Ukrainian government has approved the construction of a new national and state-owned DVB-2 multiplex.
Known as MX-7, it will be constructed by the Broadcasting, Radiocommunications and Television Concern (BRT) and reach remote parts of the country where Ukrainian channels have previously not been received.
Indeed, according to Volodymyr Trofimenko, deputy head of the State Special Communications Service, following the shutdown of analogue broadcasting a paradoxical situation has arisen with some Ukrainian citizens not accessing Ukrainian TV.
Trofimenko added: “Many Ukrainians, especially in the border regions, can watch only the channels of neighbouring countries. The situation on the border with the aggressor country and the temporarily occupied territories is particularly threatening. After all, the only source of information there is our neighbour’s propaganda channels. The construction of a state multiplex will give an opportunity to the citizens of Ukraine to return Ukrainian broadcasting and provide them with information that is not distorted by propagandists”.
The launch of MX-7 Multiplex will require the purchase and installation of 158 digital TV transmitters to broadcast up to 12 TV channels and three public radio stations. The document also Credit funds for the construction MX-7 under state guarantees will amount to UAH 490 million (€15.4 million).
Trofimenko added: “We expect another resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to be adopted as soon as possible, which will provide state guarantees for (BRT) to obtain a loan and actually start the construction of a multiplex”.
