10.45 Update: Kuwait Projects Co (KIPCO) has announced it is to merge its Showtime Arabia joint venture with the Orbit Group.
Commission ready to mandate MPEG-4
The European Commission wants to encourage co-operation between member states to allow the size of the digital dividend to be increased through further spectrum efficiency gains.
Poland targets August DTT tender
Poland is likely to open a tender for its second DTT multiplex this August.
UPC Direct goes One West
12.00 Update: UPC’s direct-to-home operation, UPC Direct, is to switch to Telenor’s One West satellite position from its present Astra berth.
August 3 launch for ESPN
ESPN has given details of its new premium channel for the UK market, the centrepiece of which will be the Disney-owned broadcaster’s recently acquired rights to the English Premier League.
RTL to launch 4 Dutch HD channels
RTL Nederland will launch four HD channels after the summer, according John de Jong, its head of distribution.
Sky’s 24-transponder Astra renewal
SES-Astra has confirmed the renewal by BSkyB of 24 of the 31 transponders held at its 28.2 degrees orbital slot. A statement released by the Luxembourg-based satellite operator said the transponders had been renewed on a “long-term basis”.