Spain’s Council of Ministers has approved the introduction of DVB-T2 transmission technology on the digital terrestrial platform.
It means that broadcasts in ultra-high definition (UHD) quality will be generally available. The ministry for digital transformation says the changes will help DTT providers to compete with other platforms and services which use other transmission networks, such as satellite or IPTV.
The new National Technical Plan guarantees the continuity of all the current offer of digital terrestrial television channels at national, regional and local levels, and opens the availability of a new channel. The licensing process will begin shortly.
DVB-T2 technology is by most Member States of the European Union, significantly increases the capacity in each digital multiplex and makes for a more efficient use of the radio spectrum.
The process will be completed in two phases. In the first, the objective is to promote the implementation of the technology and for citizens to begin to receive regular state-wide DTT channels in UHD quality. The UHD channels will be a simultaneous transmission of existing channels.
Once DVB-T2 has been “sufficiently adopted” phase 2 will begin, which will involve the global rollout of DVB-T2 at national, regional, and local levels.
