italy
:: 31 October 2008
ASO completed in Sardinia
The island of Sardinia has completed analogue switch-off in a process that began two years ago.
All analogue transmitters across the island have been switched off and viewers can now only access digital services.
Switch-off has affected 1,600,000 residents, of which 85% rely upon the terrestrial platform for their primary television viewing.
Criticism of the government's handling of switchover has emerged. Some claim that vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, did not receive sufficient support. In addition, the call centre had difficulty coping with all of the requests received.
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore
:: 17 October 2008
Airplus to enter pay-DTT market
Telecom Italia has agreed to sell its pay- per-view DTT services to Airplus TV, a Swedish pay-DTT service operator.
Airplus will create an Italian subsidiary for the Telecom Italia pay-per-view activities and continue to offer the same content as is currently available on the platform.
Telecom Italia will hold a 9% stake in the Airplus Italian subsidiary.
Airplus currently has pay-DTT services available in Finland and will soon launch services in Sweden.
Source: Telecom Italia press release
:: 16 October 2008
Europe 7 to finally broadcast terrestrial service
Europe 7 will finally be able to broadcast its services. The public service broadcaster RAI UNO will make frequencies available using frequencies it no longer needs.
Europe 7 had initially been allocated frequencies which the commercial broadcaster Mediaset took over for its service Rete 4.
An eleven year legal dispute arose, ending up at the European Court of Justice which ruled that Rete 4 needed to hand the frequencies back to Europe 7.
However, Mediaset has always maintained that its action was legal.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
:: 10 October 2008
Tivù to market free-to-air services
The broadcasters RAI, Mediaset and Telecom Italia Media have announced plans to launch the marketing platform Tivù.
Tivù will market the free-to-air services available on the DTT and satellite platforms as well as receivers able to access the services.
RAI and Mediaset will each hold a 48% stake in the organisation while Telecom Italia Media will hold the remaining 4%.
Tivù marketing is expected to begin this later this year for the DTT platform while Tivù Sat will launch in 2009.
The ree-to-view satellite service is expected to be provided by Eutelsat while Irdeto will provide the conditional access.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 8 October 2008
ASO organisation holds first meeting
The body responsible for leading digital switchover, Comitato Nazionale Italia Digitale (CNID), held its first meeting in Rome.
CNID is chaired by the Ministry for Communications while a representative from the regulator Agcom and the president of DGTVi serve as vice-chairmen.
During the meeting, members discussed the financing of digital switchover as well as technical issues that need to be addressed.
Key work areas include technology, communications, and research and monitoring.
Analogue switch-off has begun in Sardinia and will have affected 70% of the population by 2010. The process will be completed by December 2012.
Source: DGTVi website
:: 25 September 2008
DTT pentration reaches 29%
The latest figures published by DGTVi show that 6.3 million households rely on the DTT platform. This represents a penetration of 29% of television households.
According to GfK, 9.2 million DTT receivers have been sold. Of these, 610,000 were sold during the months of June and July.
Approximately 75% of all DTT receivers are integrated television sets while the remaining 25% consists of set-top boxes.
Source: DGTVi website
:: 25 September 2008
Government approves DSO plan
The government has published the timetable for analogue switch-off. The process will take place across 16 regions between 2009 and 2012.
Four regions will switch-off analogue services in 2009 including Rome.
The process will end 2012 in the region of Sicily and Calabria.
It is expected that by 2010, 70% of the population will have completed digital switchover.
Switchover pilots are currently underway in Sardinia and the Aoste Valley and will be completed in early 2009.
Source: Ministry of Communications
:: 1 August 2008
9 new services to join DTT platform
The Communications Authority (AgCom) has published the list of broadcasters expected to receive a license for DTT services. The regulator received a total of 25 bids for nine DTT licenses.
Expected license holders are a kid's service from Jetix, a movie service and documentary service from NBC Universal, an education service from the Alphabet Consortium, a social service from Rete Blu, a continuous news service from Class Editori, and the Cartoon Network and Boomerang from Turner Entertainment.
A further license will be allocated to either the Disney Company or AirPlus TV for a pay-DTT service.
Capacity for these services will be provided from 5 of the 6 existing DTT multiplexes. Each multiplex will make approximately 9.5 Mbt/s available.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 31 July 2008
Revenue generated by pay-DTT services increases
Third quarter results published by the commercial broadcaster Mediaset show that its pay-DTT service, Mediaset Premium generated a revenue of €59.3 million.
This compares with a revenue of €36.2 million in the same period last year.
Revenue is generated by the sale of pre-paid cards and recharges to existing cards.
The launch of a new Mediaset Premium offer on 1 July has resulted in a 67% increase in revenue compared with July 2008.
Source: Mediaset press release
:: 22 July 2008
8.6 million DTT receivers sold
Since the beginning of the year, 1.4 million DTT receivers have been sold. This brings DTT receiver sales to 8.6 million since the launch of DTT services in 2004.
Integrated digital TV sets (iDTVs) account for a growing percentage of DTT receivers sold. In May, 77% of all DTT receivers sold were iDTVs.
It is estimated that by the end of May, the DTT platform was the primary television reception platform for 5.91 million households.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 17 July 2008
54% DTV penetration
The communications regulator AgCom has published its annual report which states that 54.3% of households receive digital television services.
According to the report, half of all households could be digital-only within the next two years. Already, analogue switch-off has begun in Sardinia and Val d'Aoste.
AgCom is expected to soon issue licenses for new television programme services on the DTT platform. It has received 25 bids from 18 broadcasters.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 3 July 2008
Samsung qualifies for 'bollino bianco'
Samsung has announced that it will sell its iDTVs bundled with SmarDTV's SmarCAM and a Mediaset smart card. Products will be available in early July.
With the SmarCAM slot, viewers can insert a smart card and access pay-DTT services. Pay service providers include Mediaset, La7 and Pangea.
Samsung iDTVs qualify for the DGTVi white label meaning that it can receive both free-to-air and pay-DTT services.
Source: SmarDTV press release
:: 1 July 2008
Government wants to complete ASO by 2010
The European Commission (EC) has requested further information from the government regarding the distribution of frequencies on the DTT platform.
The EC would like to ensure against a broadcasting duopoly by Mediaset and RAI and ensure that new broadcasters are able to launch DTT services.
While analogue switch-off is currently set to be completed by 2012, the communications regulator AgCom and the government are calling for an completion by the end of 2010.
The full plan for national switchover will be presented on 9 September.
Analogue switch-off is currently underway in Sardinia and Val d'Aoste and will soon begin in the provinces of Turin and Cuneo and the regions of Trentino and Alto Adige.
Source: Broadband TV News and advanced-television.com
:: 30 June 2008
25 applicants for 12 DTT licenses
The communications regulator AgCom has received 25 applications for the provision of DTT services from 17 media groups. A total of 12 television programme slots are available.
These service slots will make use of the 40% capacity available across 5 DTT multiplexes operated by RAI, Mediaset and Telecom Italia.
Applications have been received from the Disney, Jetix, Turner, ESPN, QVC, NBC, AirPlus TV and Top Up TV.
Domestic applicants include Sitcom, Class Editori, Consorzio Alphabet, Anica Flash, Rete Blu, and Infront Italy.
As a next step, AgCom will review the applications and announce the license holders on 23 August.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 24 June 2008
Planning for ASO underway
The Ministry for Economic Development is expected to present its digital switchover plan by 9 September 2008.
The plan will indicate the 15-20 areas that will switch-off analogue services and the date for doing so.
The Ministry will also detail how the process will be managed and the amount of funding that the government will make available.
The process should be completed by 2012.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 6 June 2008
3 Italia offers free DVB-H services to customers
DVB-H service provider 3 Italia is offering free mobile television services to its customers.
Viewers will be able to access six television programme services free-of-charge and which include RAI 1, RAI 2, Mediaset, Sky Meteo24, Current TV and La3.
3 Italia has a total of 850,000 customers with DVB-H receivers although it is not known how many of these customers purchase DVB-H services.
Other television programme services, including the Sky package, are available at a cost of €1 per day or €2 per week.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 29 May 2008
Rete 4 refused right to retain analogue frequencies
The Parliament has blocked a decree that would have allowed Mediaset channel Rete 4 to keep its analogue frequencies. The government, led by Silvio Berlusconi, had proposed the decree following a recent decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
The ECJ recently recognised the right of Italian broadcaster Europa 7 to use the frequencies currently occupied by Rete 4.
Europa 7 had been awarded a broadcast license in 1999 but never received the necessary frequencies which had remained with the incumbent broadcaster Mediaset.
In a further rebuke to Mediaset, Italy's highest court for administrative matters, the Council of State, has upheld the ruling by the ECJ. It ruled that Mediaset must abide by decision handed down by the ECJ.
Source: Broadband TV News and Reuters
:: 29 May 2008
Launch of Disney Channel on pay-DTT platform
Disney has announced that it will make its cornerstone service, The Disney Channel, available on the DTT platform. It will be offered by Mediaset on its pay-DTT platform Premium Gallery.
The service is already available on the satellite platform Sky Italia, and the IPTV platforms Alice and Fastweb.
The Disney Channel will be launched on 1 July. On this same date, the service will be launched on the free-to-air platform in Spain.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 26 May 2008
Over 8 million DTT receivers sold
According to the latest figures published by GfK, a total of 8,069,889 DTT receivers had been sold in Italy by the end of March 2008.
Of these receivers, 24% are iDTVs while the remainding 76% are set-top boxes.
In addition, broadcasters are considering the launch of a free-to-air satellite service. As a first step, the Board of Directors of the public service broadcaster RAI are examining the project.
The free-to-air satellite service would offer viewers access to the same services as currently available on the DTT platform.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 25 May 2008
Studio Universal may join DTT platform
Spectulation has emerged that Studio Universal may join the DTT platform. This follows from its eviction from the satellite platform operated by Sky Italia.
According to media reports, NBC Universal, owner of Studio Universal, has been in discussion with commercial broadcaster Mediaset.
Studio Universal could either be offered to viewers as a pay service on Mediaset's pay-DTT bouquet Mediaset Premium Gallery or launched as a free-to-air service.
Source: Rapid TV News
:: 22 May 2008
Government nixes partial ASO in 2009
The new centre-right government has put forward a proposal to allow the commercial broadcaster Mediaset to keep its analogue frequencies until analogue switch-off is completed in 2012.
Under plans by the former Communications Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, national analogue terrestrial broadcasters were required to hand back one analogue frequency channel in 2009.
For Mediaset, this would have meant that it would have stopped broadcasting Rete 4 in analogue on the terrestrial platform.
Previously, Italy has been rebuked by the European Court of Justice for its allocation of broadcast frequencies.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 13 May 2008
Premium boosts Mediaset's quarterly earnings
Mediaset has announced its earnings for the first quarter of 2008 which show an net revenue growth of 13.9% compared with the first quarter of 2007.
The pay-DTT service, Mediaset Premium, doubled its revenue from €45.3 million in Q1 2007 to €108.8 million in Q1 2008.
Mediaset Premium offers pay-per-view services as well as a bouquet of three pay services available for €8 per month.
By the end of April 2008, the number of active Mediaset Premium cards reached 2.5 million.
Source: Mediaset press release
:: 21 April 2008
AgCom to tender new DTT licenses
AgCom, the communications regulator, will invite candidates to tender for available capacity on several DTT multiplexes. Approximately 40% of capacity on the multiplexes operated by RAI, Mediaset and La7 will be available to new broadcasters.
Broadcasters interested in this capacity will have 60 days from the official date of the tender launch to submit their application.
It is expected that the DTT licenses will be allocated this summer.
This tender is possible following an agreement between the multiplex operators and AgCom on the financial conditions for broadcasters to access the available multiplex capacity.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 11 April 2008
Freesat service discussions underway
Public service broadcaster RAI and commercial broadcaster Mediaset have begun discussions on making their DTT services available on the satellite platform.
The satellite service would allow viewers currently outside of the DTT coverage area to receive the same services as available on the DTT platform.
The satellite service is expected to launch on Eutelsat Hot Bird.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 10 April 2008
Development of HD/DTT guidelines
The DGTVi, the association for the development of DTT services, and the Italian HD Forum, have agreed to put together an Italian specification for HD services on the DTT platform.
Work will be undertaken by the two organisations in collaboration with the consumer electronics industry.
The specification is expected to be available by September.
Source: DGTVi website
:: 7 April 2008
Euro 2008 available on HD/DTT
Public service broadcaster RAI has announced plans to transmit the Euro 2008 Football Championship in high-definition on the DTT platform in the regions of Valle d'Aoste and Sardinia as well as the cities of Rome, Milan and Turin.
These will be the first HD/DTT transmissions in Italy, following test transmissions by Mediaset in Sardinia last year. RAI plans to continue offering key sporting events in HD on the DTT platform before the launch of regular HD/DTT services.
Over the past 12-18 months, the number of HD-ready television sets sold has been unexpectedly high, with nearly 4 million units sold.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 20 March 2008
RAI to launch RAI Quattro
Public service broadcaster RAI has announced plans to launch RAI Quattro. The new service will be available on the DTT and satellite platforms by the end of June.
RAI Quattro will target teenagers and offer sitcoms, cartoons, music and interactive services.
A total of €4 million has been set aside for the first six months of the new service.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 12 March 2008
Mediaset reports strong results for pay-per-view service
In its 2007 results, commercial broadcaster Mediaset noted the excellent performance of its pay-per-view service Mediaset Premium. At the end of the year, the service had sold 2,067,000 rechargeable cards.
In addition, a further 353,000 cards were sold in the two-month period between 1 January and 5 March.
In January, Mediaset launched a pay-DTT bouquet, Premium Gallery, which offers viewers 6 television programme services for €10 per month.
Source: Mediaset press release
:: 4 March 2008
Sardinia to complete ASO in Sept/Oct
The switch-off of the full analogue platform in Sardinia will take place between 1 September 1 and 30 October 2008. Originally, switch-off had been planned for March.
The delay will allow broadcasters to implement the new digital frequency plan approved by the Communications Authority on 5 February.
Already, the three national broadcasters RAI, Mediaset and La7 have switched off one of their two analogue channels in Sardinia.
The government has allocated €54.8 million to support digital switchover.
Piedmont will become the next region to undertake analogue switch-off.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 25 February 2008
Terms of iDTV rebate announced
The Ministry of Communications has released the terms of the tax rebate on television sets with an integrated digital tuner (iDTV).
Taxpayers who have purchased an iDTV in 2007 will be allowed to deduct 20% of the cost of the television set from their taxes. However, the deduction is limited to €200.
In order to benefit from the tax deduction, viewers will have need to pay their television license fee.
Source: Ministry of Communications website
:: 8 February 2008
Pay-DTT services available on Fastweb IPTV receiver
The premium DTT services from commercial broadcaster LA7 can now be accessed on Fastweb's IPTV set-top boxes. The set-top boxes have been certified to receive the LA7 Cartapiu smartcards.
However, viewers will need to pay a one-off activation fee of EUR29 to receive the service. Content includes Serie A football matches and highlights from top international football championships.
Source: CabSat
:: 7 February 2008
Commission set up to allocate DTT frequencies
The Communications Authority, AgCom, has named the commission with task of allocating DTT frequencies. These frequencies are derived from the 40% transmission capacity that the national broadcasters, RAI, Mediaset and La7, must make available in their multiplexes.
The allocation of the frequencies will be based on criteria decided by AgCom and the Communications Ministry.
Broadcasters that can bid for these frequencies include:
- consortiums that are authorized suppliers of national content;
- national analogue broadcasters that have not achieved 80% territorial
coverage;
- local analogue broadcasters without a DTT coverage of at least 80%
of their viewer base; and,
- content suppliers on the cable or satellite platforms.
Members of the commission include Giovanna De Minico, Mauro Miccio, Augusto Preta, Mario Egidio Schinaglia and Francesco Siliato.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 5 February 2008
Over 6.5 million DTT receivers sold
According to figures published by GfK, a total of 6.697.516 DTT receivers have been sold since the launch of DTT services in early 2004.
Of the DTT receivers sold, 17.7% were iDTVs (1,186,936) while 82.3% were set-top boxes (5,510,580). Only 4.8% of the set-top boxes sold consisted of simple zapper boxes without any interactive features.
As of 2009, it will no longer be possible to sell television sets without an integrated digital tuner.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 31 January 2008
ECJ rules against frequency allocation
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that the allocation of frequencies in Italy goes against European Union (EU) law. According to the ECJ, Italy breached EU law by favouring incumbent broadcasters when awarding frequencies for DTT services.
The broadcaster Europa 7 received a broadcasting license in 1999. However, because of legal changes, the broadcaster never received the frequencies which instead remained with the incumbent broadcaster.
According to the Communications Minister Paolo Gentiloni, "The EU court is right: the Italian way of assigning broadcasting frequencies is against EU law."
The ECJ decision could oblige the broadcaster Mediaset to clear the frequencies used by its Rete4 service for Europa 7. However, Mediaset disagrees. It stated that, "The court's decision won't have any consequence on the frequencies used by Mediaset's television channels including Rete 4."
Source: Bloomberg
:: 18 January 2008
ASO to go-ahead in Sardinia
Broadcasters in Italy have reached agreement on digital switchover in the region of Sardinia.
Sardinia will be one of the first regions to complete analogue switch-off. Already, it has switched off three analogue channels.
According to the head of the communications authority Corrado Calabro: "'It is an important result for all the country because it is the first time that Italy has reached an agreement shared by all the operators on frequency planning."
Analogue switch-off is expected to be completed in Italy by 2012.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 11 January 2008
Mediaset to launch pay-DTT bouquet
According to Rapid TV News, the commercial broadcaster Mediaset is preparing to launch a pay-DTT service on 19 January. The new service is expected to be named "Premium Gallery".
It is expected that Mediaset will offer a small bouquet of six television services priced at under EURO 10 per month. Services will likely include TV series, second-window movie rights, entertainment, documentaries, manga and kids programming.
The low price of the bouquet can attract families that are unwilling to subscribe to a full premium pay-TV service.
The servicesDwill be hosted on the D-Free multiplex alongside the free-to-air service BOING.
Source: Rapid TV News
:: 18 December 2007
Mediaset calls for earlier ASO
The president of the commercial broadcaster Mediaset, Fedele Confalonieri, has declared the 2012 analogue switch-off date as too far away.
While agreeing that the initial analogue switch-off date of 2006 may have been "too optimistic," 2010 may be a more suitable date especially since most households will be digitally-equipped.
According to recent legislation, all television sets sold as of June 2009 must include a digital tuner.
Confalonieri also noted that Mediaset has spent €500 million for digital switchover.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 17 December 2007
Pangea to offer new PPV services
Pangea will launch a third pay-per-view DTT service in January 2008. The new service is backed by the former head of the Spanish commercial broadcaster Antenna 3, Maurizio Giunco.
Pangea is a multi-operator platform based on Nagravision technology that will be made available to all interested broadcasters.
The first services planned will include job training programmes for several Italian companies including LegaCoop, a service in the Val d’Aosta region dedicated to minor interest sports, and adult content offered by Glamour Plus.
Already, Mediaset and La7 offer pay-per-view DTT services.
In its first nine months of 2007, Mediaset's service, Mediaset Premium, sold 2 million pre-paid cards and 4.9 million top-ups.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 10 December 2007
Universal CAM for pay-DTT services
Manufacturers and broadcasters have agreed to a new conditional access module (CAM) that can be used to access services from Mediaset Premium, La7 Cartapìu and Pangea.
Viewers can insert the SmarCAM into the DVB-CI interface of their iDTV. The SmarCAM can suuport up to two smart cards simultaneously, one of standard size and one of SIM size.
SmarCAM has been developed by SmarDTV which is part of the Kudelski group.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 21 November 2007
Mediaset to launch two new DTT services
The commercial broadcaster Mediaset has announced plans to launch two new television programme services on the free-to-air DTT platform. The new services have been names IRIS and BIS.
IRIS will be dedicated to films, with a focus on classics and B-movies. One evening per week will be dedicated to Italian theatre and either a classical music concert or opera. The new service will launch on 30 November.
BIS will offer many of the hit sitcoms that have appeared on the Mediaset network for the past 25 years. This service will launch in the first half of 2008.
Source: Mediaset press release
:: 16 November 2007
Public tender for frequency allocation
A public tender will be opened for the allocation of 108 terrestrial television frequencies out of a total of 24,680 frequencies. This will be the first time that frequencies are allocated via a public bidding process.
The tender will take place in the next weeks with the aim of completing the allocation by March 2008. Only national broadcasters that have less than 80% coverage on the DTT platform will be invited to participate.
Source: Rapid TV News
:: 15 November 2007
Partial switch-off covers all of Sardinia
Following the switch-off of three analogue channels in Cagliari, switch-off has been extended to the full island of Sardinia. Analogue services from national broadcasters RAI, Mediaset and La7 will be switched off.
These services include RAI2, Retequattro and Qoob and will now only be available on the free-to-air DTT platform.
Source: RAI
:: 6 November 2007
PPV services boost Mediaset revenue
Mediaset reported an increase of 3.7% in its consolidated net revenues for the first nine months of 2007 compared with the same period in 2006. The increase is largely the result of higher revenues from the pay-per-view activities of Mediaset Premium, and network operator activities.
Mediaset Premium, the business unit responsible for pay-per-view services, showed a marked improvement in revenue in 2007 with revenue totalled EUR 142.8 million in the first nine months compared with EUR 61.0 million for the same period in 2006.
(Note that this figure also includes EUR 48.7 million from the sale of encrypted football rights for use on other platforms.)
In the first nine months of 2007, Mediaset Premium recorded sales of more than 1.8 million new re-chargeable cards and more than 4.4 million re-charges on existing cards.
Source: Mediaset website
:: 2 November 2007
Agcom recommends frequencies for small broadcasters
The communications regulator Agcom has recommended that the broadcasters RAI and Mediaset be required release their unused frequencies to make them available for smaller broadcasters.
RAI and Mediaset each control about 40% of frequencies used for analogue terrestrial television. With three of the seven national channels each, RAI and Mediaset have a hold on more than 90% of total viewer hours and of the total national television advertising buy.
While the recommendation is non-binding, it could persuade the government to force such action.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
:: 2 November 2007
Two new RAI services on DTT platform
The public service broadcaster RAI has announced plan to launch two new television programme services on the DTT platform. One service, to be launched in 2008, will be an entertainment service for young viewers while the second service, to be launched in 2009, will offer general entertainment for all viewers.
RAI already offers 6 television programmes on the DTT platform which include Rai Uno, Rai Due, Rai Tre and thematic services Rai Gulp, RaiSat Sport and RaiNews 24.
RAI has also announced that it will begin broadcasting major sporting events in high-definition on the terrestrial platform.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 29 October 2007
3 Italia plans DVB-T services
The telecom operator 3 Italia has announced plans to offer both DVB-T and DVB-H services from its DTT multiplex. 3 Italia currently uses its multiplex to provide DVB-H services.
According to the plans presented by 3 Italia CEO Vincenzo Novari, 3 Italia will broadcast a total of four television programme services, two of which will be high definition.
3 Italia currently has a total of 770,000 DVB-H customers of which 40% access services at least once a week.
Source: Rapid TV News
:: 18 October 2007
Mediaset may launch new DTT services
The commercial broadcaster Mediaset is reported to be preparing for the launch of two new services on the free-to-air DTT platform by the end of the year. One service will provide classic entertainment (sitcoms) while the second will target a female audience.
In addition, Mediaset may also launch two pay-DTT services offering content made available to Mediaset through its recent deals signed with Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. One service will offer international TV sitcoms while the second will offer movies.
Figures published by Eurisko-Gfk in August 2007 suggest that 5.1 million households access the DTT platform.
Source: Rapid TV News
:: 3 October 2007
ASO continues in Sardinia
Starting on 10 November, three television programme services will only be available on the DTT platform in the island of Sardinia. National broadcasters RAI and Mediaset will each turn off one of their two analogue terrestrial television channels (Rai Due and Rete4) and only make the services available on the DTT platform.
Following analogue switch-off in the city of Cagliari in March, the process is now extended to the entire island. A similar process occurred in the Val d'Aoste and is expected to take place in the northern regions of Trentino Alto Adige and Piedmont.
Analogue switch-off is expected to be completed by 2012.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 2 October 2007
ASO in 2012 confirmed
The Minister of Communications, Paolo Gentiloni, has confirmed that analogue switch-off will take place in 2012. Currently legislation sets analogue switch-off for December 2008.
The 2008 Budget Law (Legge Finanziaria) contains several provisions affecting the DTT platform, including the planned change to the analogue switch-off date. In addition, it also calls for all television sets sold in 2008 to include a DTT tuner.
The Parliament is set to discuss the proposed law in the next two weeks.
In July, GFK estimated that a total of 4.9 million households out of 21 million accessed DTT services.
Source: Rapid TV News
:: 25 September 2007
Government modifies iDTV tax break
The government has revised its plan to offer a tax break of up to EURO 200 for buyers of digital television sets following the comments from the European Commission last July.
Under the revised plan, consumers will not be able to use the tax break towards the purchase of second television sets. However, satellite and cable subscribers will now be able to benefit from the tax break.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
:: 11 September 2007
Mediaset revenue grows with pay-DTT services
The commercial broadcaster Mediaset has reported an increase of 2.3% in its revenue for the first half of 2007 compared with the same period in 2006. Consolidated net revenues for the first six months of 2007 reached EUR 1,505.8 million, compared with EUR 1,472.2 million in 2006.
The increase is the result of higher revenues generated from Mediaset Premium pay-per-view service and network operator activities. To date, around 1.1 million pre-paid DTT cards and 1.4 million re-charges have been sold.
Source: Mediaset press release
:: 2 August 2007
Parliament committees approve proposal on using digital dividend
Two Parliamentary committees have approved the proposals in the digital television bill on how the digital dividend should be allocated. The frequency channels used by Rete 4 and RAI Due may be allocated to the broadcast service Europa 7 rather than be reussed by Mediaset and RAI.
In addition, it will likely become compulsory for all television sets sold in Italy to be equipped with a digital tuner.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 30 July 2007
DTT household penetration reaches 19%
Recent data suggests that 4.5 million households accessed DTT services in Italy at the end of June 2007. This represents a total of 19.2% of all Italian households.
This data has been collected by Makno & Consulting.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 18 July 2007
EC seeks compliance with rules on electronic communications
The European Commission (EC) has sent to the Italian government a second formal request that it changes its current broadcasting legislation. According the the EC, the Italian legislation does not comply with the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.
Specifically, the EC considers that current legislation on digital switchover gives an unfair advantage to existing analogue broadcasters.
The EC had send a first request in July 2006. Since then, the Italian government has proposed a draft law modifying the existing broadcast legislation which has not yet been approved by the Parliament.
Source: EC press release
:: 18 July 2007
RAI to get E33m from [government] budget for DTT
Italy’s Communications Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, has signed a ministerial decree assigning E33m to RAI for expanding digital terrestrial TV coverage throughout Italy during 2007.
According to Gentiloni, the resources will help the public broadcaster speed up the transition to digital terrestrial, as it had accumulated a certain delay over the past few years in comparison to the private TV networks. The financing will also be used for the creation of new content that will in turn stimulate DTT take-up. The total resources earmarked in the budget for the period 2007-2009 amounts to E300m. Gentiloni also expressed hope that the decree will not be the only contribution of the State for RAI’s DTT project as the "hope is that new funds may arrive".
For his part, the director general of RAI, Claudio Cappon, said that the public broadcaster will spend E145 million this year to extend digital coverage to 85 per cent of the population. He explained that the plan does not include the acquisition of frequencies, but rather aims at a better use of existing ones, "by eliminating abundances and overlapping". The interventions will regard 100 transmitters in Northeast Italy, on the Adriatic Coast and in parts of Southern Italy, "in order to immediately extend digital coverage and improve the homogeneity and the quality of service".
Source: Article by Branislav Pekic in Rome from Advanced-Televison.com
:: 17 July 2007
National frequency database unveiled
A single national television frequency database is now available in Italy with the aim of ensuring efficient use of spectrum. The database, launched last year, waa unveiled by the communications minister Paolo Gentiloni, and the Chairman of the communications guarantee authority (AGCOM), Corrado Calabrò.
The ministry of communications is responsible for updating the national frequency register and assigning new frequencies while AGCOM will maintain the national register of communication operators (ROC).
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 7 June 2007
Capacity to be made available for new broadcasters
It is expected that the Communications Authority, AgCom, will tender DTT capacity at the end of July. Approximately 40% of capacity on the existing DTT network will be made available to new broadcasters.
According to Corrado Calabro, the president of AgCom, this capacity is currently used by national broadcasters RAI, Mediaset and Telecom Italia Media but should made available to new broadcasters as per the current broadcast legislation.
In addition, Calabro presented the updated database of television frequencies in Italy. According to the database, there are 629 TV channels in Italy, 10 DTT multiplexes and 24,680 transmitters-frequencies.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 6 June 2007
Launch of France 24 on DTT platform
The French international news service, France 24, has been launched on the Italian DTT platform. The service is distributed by the broadcaster Telecentro Toscana.
As of midnight on 6 June, 56% of Italians with a DTT receiver will be able to access the service.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 28 May 2007
Mediaset Premium set to break even
Commercial broadcaster Mediaset has announced that its pay-DTT service, Mediaset Premium, is set to break even by the end of the year. According to Mediaset Premium director, Marco Leonardi, the service has performed better than had been expected.
Since the launch of the service, 2.93 million rechargeable smart cards have been sold and recharged 7.29 million times. During the first quarter of 2007, revenue nearly doubled from EURO 22.8 million to EURO 45.3 million.
For 2008, Mediaset Premium is planning to boost the movie and TV series offer, while sports fans will continue to enjoy Italian Serie A football as well as Champions League matches.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 17 April 2007
ASO begins in Valle d'Aosta
Regional switch-off continues in Italy with the switch-off of analogue channels Rai Due and Retequattro in the Valle d'Aosta on 16 April. The switch-off affects 600,000 residents in the city of Aosta and its 16 neighbouring municipalities.
To help with digital switchover in the region, the government has made available a €70 subidy to use towards the purchase of an interactive set-top box.
On 1 March 2007, Sardinia became the first region to begin analogue switch-off. It is estimated that 65% of the population have completed digital switchover.
The next regions to undergo analogue switch-off will be the autonomous province of Trento and Bolzano followed by Veneto, Tuscany and Sicily.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 12 April 2007
Over 5 million DTT receivers sold
The latest research from GfK shows that 5,006,867 DTT receivers have been sold between the time of the launch of DTT services in February 2004 and February 2007. The government aims to have 21 million DTT receivers in television households in time for analogue switch-off in 2012.
The government is currently in the process of preparing a proposal that would provide households with a 20% reduction towards the purchase of an iDTV. It may set aside €40 million for the iDTV reduction in 2008.
However, the government will need to ensure that it remains technology neutral and does not favour one television platform over the others. In January, the European Commission had ruled that the government subsidies in 2003-2005 favoured the DTT platform.
Source: Key4Biz.it
:: 30 March 2007
Pay-per-view DTT increases revenue for broadcasters
The pay-per-view (PPV) DTT service offered by commercial broadcasters in Italy is proving to be a success. Both Mediaset and Telecom Italia Media have reported increases in their PPV DTT revenue for the year 2006.
Mediaset has reported that it sold 1.1 million new rechargeable pre-paid cards and 4.1 million recharges in 2006. Altogether, its PPV service generated €108 million, compared with €44 million in 2005.
Telecom Italia Media has reported that its PPV DTT service generated €31.5 million in 2006 compared with €10.4 million in 2005. The broadcaster also announced that it had sold more than 1 million La7 Cartapiu PPV smart-cards.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 27 March 2007
Minister affirms Agcom's mandate in broadcast frequency allocation
The Italian Minister of Communications, Paolo Gentiloni, has announced that it will be the communications regulator, Agcom, that decides how to allocate available frequencies following analogue switch-off rather than incumbent broadcasters.
Gentiloni's remarks are a direct response to Mediaset's planned use of the available frequencies in Sardinia to test HDTV services following the switch-off of the analogue channels Raidue and Rete 4 in early March.
According to Gentiloni, Italia Digitale, the Ministry of Communications and Agcom will need to agree to a plan for the allocation of the "digital dividend" which will ultimately need to be approved by Agcom.
Source: Ministry of Communications website
:: 22 March 2007
RAI trials IPTV/DTT hybrid set-top boxes
Rai Nuovi Media and RaiNet have launched an IPTV/DTT trial using a hybrid set-top box.
As part of the trial, viewers will be able to access content from the DTT and IPTV platforms and access new services such as time-shifting, video on demand, personalisation, and new forms of advertising.
According to RAI, interoperability and use of the service regardless of the user’s broadband connectivity provider are key features of the trial service.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 21 March 2007
ASO in the region of Val d'Aoste
The Val d'Aoste and its surrounding area will be the next region to switch-off analogue terrestrial television in Italy. This follows from the switch-off in Saridinia in early March.
Rai2 and Rete4 will switch-off their analogue channels on 16 April.
Source: Yahoo Italia
:: 9 March 2007
3 Italia's commercial DVB-H results
3 Italia has announced that it has attracted over 250,000 subscribers to its DVB-H service since its launch in June 2006. For 3 Italia, this demonstrates that a market for mobile television exists.
The service provides 9 television programme services in its basic package for €29 per month. Three premium services are also available and include two adult services and a service dedicated to "Grande Fratello", the leading reality show.
According to Alessandro Floris, 3 Italia's director of digital mobile TV, ARPU (average revenue per user) from mobile television users is up 60 percent and users appear to be quite loyal to the service with only a negligible churn.
Peak viewing occurs at lunchtime and before dinner, although special sports events have caused viewing to increase dramatically.
Source: EE Times
:: 8 March 2007
La7 distributed 1 million
pay-per-view cards by Dec 2006
In its latest financial earnings report,Telecom Italia Media has announced that over 1 million "La7 Cartapiu" cards had been distributed by 31 December 2006. Of these, 65% had already been activated.
The La7 Cartapiu cards allow viewers to access pay-per-view content. Available content includes Series A football matches as well as musical concerts featuring Italian artists.
In addition, Telecom Italia Media launched a new DTT service, QOOB in November 2006.
Source: Telecom Italia Media press release
:: 5 March 2007
Mediaset reported to launch
pay-DTT services
According to Broadband TV News, commercial broadcaster Mediaset is preparing to launch a pay DTT service providing viewers with 8 television programme services.
The service, available for a rate of €8 per month, will offer movies, cartoons and women's interest services.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 2 March 2007
3 Italia and RRD test DVB-T and DVB-H on same multiplex
Testing conducted by 3 Italia and network operator Reti Radiotelevisive (RRD) has shown that it is possible to offer DVB-H and DVB-T services from the same multiplex.
The test was conducted using 3 Italia's multiplex currently offering DVB-H services. Using hierarchical modulation, a single channel provided 4 DVB-T television programme services as well as the current DVB-H offering from 3 Italia.
Source: 3 Italia
:: 23 February 2007
Analogue switch-off begins in Sardinia
The analogue channels of public service broadcaster Rai Due and Mediaset's Retequattro will be shut off in the Cagliari area (Sardinia) on 1 March. These services will only be available to viewers on the digital terrestrial and satellite platforms.
To help with the switchover, the government has announced that it will make available subsidies to use towards the purchase of digital receivers. Households can qualify for a €70 subsidy.
In addition, Rete4 has announced that it will undertake HD trials.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 5 February 2007
Vodafone uses Nagravision for
DVB-H security
Vodafone has selected Nagravision to protect the content rights for its newly launched DVB-H services, Vodafone SKY TV. With Nagravision's solution, Vodafone can offer a wide range of business models such as pay-per-subscription to pay-per-view and pay-per-time.
Viewers are able to access such services as Fox 1, Sky Sports and the Disney Channel as well as premium TV services such as Serie A football. The service is using LG KU950 handsets.
Already, Nagravision provides service to 3 Italia and TIM for their DVB-H service offering in Italy.
Source: Nagravision website
:: 24 January 2007
EC rules against set-top box subsidies in Italy
The European Commission (EC) has decided that subsidies for digital receivers granted by Italy in 2004 and 2005 are illegal as they violate state aid rules. The EC has, however, decided that subsidies granted in 2006 do not violate EC Treaty state aid rules since they are technology-neutral.
In 2004 and 2005, Italy made over €200 million available to consumer to use towards the purchase of interactive set-top boxes. However, the subsidy was limited to the cable and DTT platforms and did not specify the use of MHP for the interactive component.
In 2006, however, the government subsidy for digital switchover in Sardinia and Valle d'Aosta did not explicitly exclude any platforms but only called for the use of an open application programming interface (API). This subsidy received EC approval.
The EC has also decided that the broadcasters who have most benefited from the subsidies should reimburse the state aid.
Source: EC press release
:: 15 January 2007
Switchover planned for Cagliari in March 2007
The city of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, will switch-off its national analogue transmissions in March 2007. It will thus become the first "all-digital" region in Italy.
National broadcasts provided by RAI, Mediaset and Telecom Italia Media will only be available on the DTT platform.
In addition, viewers will be able to access new services such as a children's service from RAI, a continuous news service from Mediaset and an interactive services, call Qoob, from Telecom Italia Media.
Source: Yahoo Italia
:: 15 December 2006
France2 joins DTT platform
French service, France 2, is available to viewers via the DTT plaform. It is available on the multiplex operated by the L'Espresso group.
France 2 had previously been available on the analogue terrestrial platform in the cities of Milan, Rome and Bologna until these frequencies had been purchased by Canale Italia.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 14 December 2006
New DVB-H service available to Vodafone customers
Vodafone will offer its customers DVB-H services with content provided by Sky Italia using Mediaset's transmission network.
Content includes Fox One, Disney Channel Mobile, DeeJay TV, FX, Cine Shots, live football from Sky Calcio, Sky TG 24 and Sky Sport 24. All content from Sky will be offered for free of charge until 31 March 2007.
Already, commercial DVB-H services are available from 3 Italia and TIM.
Source: Vodafone press release
:: 4 December 2006
Launch of Sardegna Digitale
The official launch of Sardegna Digitale has taken place. This is a new public interactive service available on the DTT platform and supported by national and local broadcasters.
Analogue switch-off in Sardinia is expected to take place in March 2008.
Source: Italian Ministry of Communications website
:: 23 November 2006
Multiplex capacity to be made available to new broadcasters
The communications regulator, Agcom, has proposed that 40% of the current multiplex capacity held by national broadcasters RAI, Mediaset and Telecom Italia be made available for new broadcasters.
As part of the proposal, Agcom will set up a Commission of Experts to oversee the selection process. According to Agcom, this proposal will allow for greater media pluralism and help with the digital transition.
Source: Agcom
:: 8 November 2006
Government to allocate €120 million for digital switchover
The Italian Government has agreed to set aside €120 million in the next three years to help with the transition from analogue to digital television.
While the Minister of Communications, Paolo Gentiloni, believes that the €120 million allocated in the Budget represents "a reasonable figure," he believes that "further resources are needed".
In addition, Gentiloni remarked that the 2012 analogue switch-off deadline set by the EU is "too close". He noted that for analogue switch-off to take place, DTT coverage will need to increase to the full population. Currently, DTT services are available to 70% of the population.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 16 October 2006
New communications bill approved by Cabinet
The Italian Cabinet has approved the reforms to the television market proposed by the Minister for Communications Paolo Gentiloni. The bill introduces new regulations during the switchover phase from analogue to digital terrestrial.
According to the proposal, new measures will be introduced such as a limitation to 45% on the amount of advertising market share that a given broadcaster can hold. Currently, Mediaset has a 66% advertising market share.
The bill also calls for the removal of legal and regulatory barriers that prevent new broadcasters from entering the DTT market.
To help with switch-over, the bill proposes that broadcasters with more that 3 channels on the analogue platform make one of channels exclusively available on the DTT platform and thus switch-off of the analogue service. This would affect both RAI and Mediaset.
It aims to reform the existing legislation as per the Gaspari law of 2004 (law 112/2004).
Source: Ministry of Communications and advanced-television.com
:: 18 September 2006
Sitcom UNO launched on DTT platform
A new television programme service has been launched on the national DTT platform. The service is available for 12 hours each day beginning on 18 September.
The new service, SitcomUNO, is available on the multiplex operatored by Telecom Italia Media. A generalist service, it is aimed at a female audience and includes such content as film, dramas and sitcoms.
The service had previously been available on the satellite platform.
Source: DGTVi website
:: 15 September 2006
Strong interest in PPV services
Commercial broadcaster Mediaset has reported strong interest in its pay-per-view service on the DTT platform.
In the first half of 2006, Mediaset sold approximately 511,000 new rechargeable pre-paid cards and approximately 1,400,000 recharges for its Mediaset Premium pay-per-view service.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 13 September 2006
Nagravision selected to secure TIM's DVB-H network
Telecom Italia TIM, the largest mobile network operator in Italy, has selected Nagravision to secure its commercial DVB-H service. The service is expected to be officially launched in October on a subscription basis.
Targeting TIM's 26 million Italian subscribers, the service will be available in all of the country's regional capitals, including Turin, Rome, Milan and Florence. Coverage will reach approximately 75% of the population by the end of the year.
Already, Nagravision secures the DVB-H service launched by 3 Italia in June 2006. This service offering expects to reach 500,000 subscribers by the end of the year.
Source: Nagravision
:: 23 August 2006
New DTT services to be made available
At a recent conference organised by the DGTVi, the Minister of Communications, Paolo Gentiloni, called for the creation of an open DTT platform similar to Freeview in the United Kingdom.
Gentiloni would like new broadcasters to be able to provide services on the DTT platform. The platform would be called Tivu.
Already, the commercial broadcaster Mediaset, which operates 2 DTT multiplexes, has announced plans to launch two new television programme services. One service will be dedicated to news while the other will be dedicated to sitcoms.
Source: Minstry of Communications website
:: 23 August 2006
Italia Digitale set up to coordinate digital switchover
The Minister of Communications, Paolo Gentiloni, has called for the set-up of a new body, Italia Digitale, to coordinate digital switch-over in Italy.
Members of the organisation would include government representatives, broadcasters, digital platform operators and regulators. The new organisation may replace the existing DGTVi.
Gentiloni also mentioned that analogue switch-off could be completed by 2012. His ministry plans on putting together a frequency plan in early 2007.
Source: Ministry of Communications website and advanced-television.com
:: 7 August 2006
Mediaset prepares for DVB-H launch
Mediaset has announced its plans to launch its DVB-H services in October. Already, Mediaset has agreed to make its DVB-H services available to the mobile phone operators TIM, 3 Italia and Vodafone.
Although the content for the platform has not been confirmed, possible services include those of CNN and Endemol.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 20 July 2006
DVB-H attracts 111,000 users in 6 weeks
The world's first commercial DVB-H service launched by 3 Italia has attracted 111,000 users in its first six weeks of operation. Service began on 5 June to coincide with the FIFA World Cup.
3 Italia is aiming for 500,000 DVB-H users by the end of 2006. Services are available in 2,000 of the biggest Italian cities and towns. Users can pay for the television service by the day, week or 6 month period.
According to the CEO of 3 Italia, Vincenzo Novari, "We didn't expect the numbers to be this high, and we also didn't expect the strong growth trend to continue even after the conclusion of the World Cup. Everybody has been saying that mobile television has been overhyped, but so far the vast majority of users have been satisfied with the service, and this bodes well for the future of mobile television."
Source: International Herald Tribune
:: 10 July 2006
4 million DTT receivers sold
According to research published by GFK Eurisko, 4 million DTT receivers have been sold in Italy. Of these, more than half have purchased with the government subsidy made available to households in 2004 and 2005.
Sales of DTT receivers was quite strong in 2005. Between January-November 2005, 2.6 million DTT receivers were sold, of which almost all are MHP-enabled. The pre-payment DTT service offered by Mediaset and La7 proved popular and encouraged the sale of MHP-enabled set-top boxes.
Viewers also found the content on the DTT platform appealing, especially the sports and reality TV offerings.
Source: PC World
:: 28 June 2006
ASO in Sardinia and Val d'Aosta delayed to 2008
The Minister for Communications, Paolo Gentiloni, has announced that analogue switch-off will take place on 1 March 2008 in Sardinia and 1 October 2008 in Val d'Aoste. Previous plans had set analogue switch-off for 31 July 2006.
The delay is due to the lack of DTT set-top boxes in a large segment of the population in both regions.
In order to prevent a further delay, the Ministry of Communications and representatives from both regoins have signed new protocols of understanding that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each party in order to allow for digital switch-over.
To help with the process, national broadcasters have committed to providing the transmission of their services using the DTT platform exclusively by 1 March 2007.
However, this is based on the condition that atleast 80% of households are able to access DTT services and, of these, 70% use a DTT set-top box. These targets must be reached by 30 November 2006.
According to the Minister for Communications, Paolo Gentiloni: "The switchover phase from analogue to digital terrestrial will be longer than planned. The government not only acknowledges this situation but will collaborate with the regions and broadcasting companies to achieve these new goals. One thing is certain: in order to do this, strong commitment is needed to expand the range of digital TV products on offer."
Source: Ministry of Communications website
:: 23 June 2006
Government focus on digital switchover plans
The Government is planning to set targets for analogue switch-off in Italy. The Communications Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, has called for government action in DTT to take place in the coming weeks.
According to Paolo Gentiloni, "Italy needs to adopt a serious switchover strategy with regard to digital terrestrial, which means more than a never-ending series of deadlines which are continually put off."
Following the review of the results from the digital switchover pilots in Sardinia and Val D'Aosta, the Government may issue a ministerial decree on analogue switch-off. The pilots are expected to be completed by 31 July 2006.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 30 May 2006
Commercial DVB-H services ready for 1 June launch
3 Italia will officially launch its "Walk TV" services on 1 June. Already, services have been broadcast since the end of April and consumers have been able to purchase DVB-H receivers since mid May.
Walk TV is the first commercial DVB-H service offered in Europe. Viewers can access television services from Rai, Mediaset, SKY and La3. In addition, viewers will be able to access coverage from the FIFA World Cup.
Cost to access services varies from €3 per day to €99 per six months depending on the package selected. DVB-H services are available to 65% of the population. LG (LG U900)and Samsung (P910) are providing the DVB-H receivers.
Source: 3 Italia press release
:: 15 May 2006
Antitrust Authorities exonerate DTV set-top box subsidy
The Italian Antitrust Authority has ruled that the subsidies distributed towards the purchase of interactive digital television receivers is legal. The subsidy had been put in place by the government led by Silvio Berlusconi.
The government has provided €200 million in subsidies to households to aid in the purchase of interactive digital receivers.
This ruling follows from a complaint filed by Sky Italia. It had argued that the subsidy represents state aid and distorts competition in Italy by penalizing satellite TV given that satellite set-top boxes are not included in the government subsidies programme.
The Antitrust argued that the subsidy did not distort the pay TV market given that Sky Italia represents 90% of the market.
Source: Dow Jones
:: 20 April 2006
Mediaset and Vodafone DVB-H agreement
With plans well underway to launch its DVB-H multiplex this year, Mediaset has already found a mobile telecom partner.
Vodafone has agreed to use capacity in Mediaset's DVB-H multiplex to allow its customers to view mobile television content. The capacity has been reserved for a period of five years and with an option for an extension of a further five years.
In order to allow the roll-out of DVB-H services to take place in 2006, Vodafone will makes its broadcast infrastructure available to Mediaset to complete the network.
Source: DM Europe
:: 3 April 2006
Broadcast regulator announces plans for an all-digital broadcast environment
The Italian Communications Authority, AGCOM, has issued a declaration regarding its objectives in planning for an all-digital broadcast environment.
AGCOM will put together a national registry (cadastre) of the terrestrial broadcast frequencies. The national cadastre will provide a review of the initial frequency allocation plan established in 2002. It will be used in order to help plan for analogue switch-off.
In addition, the national cadastre will also plan for the allocation of additional multiplexes that may become available following analogue switch-off. AGCOM hopes that a total of 12 multiplexes will be available, although this will depend on the outcome of the international frequency planning (RRC) taking place at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
In terms of frequency usage, AGCOM would like to ensure efficiency and balanced usage. It may be possible that AGCOM introduces an auctioning process for the allocation of any available frequencies.
AGCOM has called for increased controls to ensure that multiplex operators provide independent content providers and broadcasters with access to 40% of the multiplex capacity.
Finally, AGCOM is planning to put together regulation on DVB-H.
Source: AGCOM website and RAI
:: 22 February 2006
3 Italia to launch DVB-H services in June 2006
UMTS operator 3 Italia has announced its plans to launch 'La Tre' mobile television services in June 2006, in time for the World Cup. The television services will use the DVB-H standard.
Viewers will be able to initially access 15 television programmes channels including services from Mediaset and Sky. An increase to 20 programme channels is expected by the end of the year. In addition, live coverage of the World Cup will also be available.
Through its acquisition of the broadcaster Canale 7, 3 Italia has access to the necessary frequencies to be able to launch DVB-H services.
3 Italia expects to have 600,000 television subscribers by the end of the year, paying between €15 - 30 per month. Viewers will access services using the LG U900 receiver.
Source: 3 Italia press release and advanced-television.com
:: 27 January 2006
Regulator queries Mediaset's acquisition of Europe TV
The Italian competition regulator, Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato, has opened an enquiry into Mediaset's acquisition of Europe TV.
The acquisition of Europe TV provides Mediaset with access to a third DTT multiplex. Mediaset is planning to use this multiplex in order to launch its DVB-H services, scheduled for 2006.
However, the competition regulator fears that with ownership of three DTT multiplexes, Mediaset may be in a dominant market position compared with other broadcasters.
The regulator has 45 days to conclude its preliminary investigation.
Source: L'Espresso
:: 21 December 2005
EC opens inquiry on digital set-box subsidy
The European Commission has decided to launch an inquiry into subsidies for digital set-top boxes granted by the Italian government in 2004 and 2005. These subsidies may violate EC Treaty state aid rules.
According to the EC, the government's subsidies for the purchase of digital STBs may not be technology neutral since the subsidy programme is only available for the purchase of set-top boxes using the terrestrial and cable platforms. It is not available for the satellite platform.
The EC will investigate whether these subsidies are liable to distort competition.
According to Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, "The Commission is firmly committed to encouraging the transition to digital TV and values interoperability, but state support must avoid unnecessary distortions of competition between terrestrial, cable and satellite platforms. In this case the subsidy seems to help free to air operators to enter the pay-TV market."
This procedure only concerns the measures enacted in 2004 and 2005.
Source: EC press release
:: 2 December 2005
Canale 7 to be acquired by mobile telecom operator
Italian 3G mobile telecom operator 3 Italia has announced it is buying commercial broadcaster Canale 7. The broadcaster is present on the DTT platform.
3 Italia is buying Canale 7 from Italy's Profit group and, according to Italian daily La Repubblica, the deal is valued at €30-35 million.
Such a purchase may enable 3 Italia to launch DVB-H services. 3 Italia is owned by Hutchison Whampoa.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 1 December 2005
Analogue switch-off postponed until 2008
In a declaration made at the Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels, the Italian Minister of Communications, Mario Landolfi, announced that Italy has postponed its analogue switch-off to 2008.
The government had initially planned to end analogue terrestrial television transmissions on 31 December 2006.
Source: Ministry of Communications press release
:: 13 October 2005
DVB-H services launch in 2006?
Telecom Italia Mobile and Mediaset have announced plans to launch a DVB-H-based mobile TV service during 2006.
Telecom Italia will offer simulcasts of Mediaset’s three television channels and football coverage as part of a five-year agreement.
In a statement the two companies said they had reached an agreement for what would become the basis of the world’s first commercial launch of a digital terrestrial TV service on mobile phones using the DVB-H technology.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 9 October 2005
Conference reviews DTT progress
At the Third National Conference on DTT held in Vicenza, Italian leaders discussed the current DTT progress and plans for the future. The conference was organised by the Fondazione Ugo Bordoni.
The first phase of analogue switch-off is ready to begin in Sardinia and Val d'Aosta. On 31 January, analogue terrestrial transmissions will end for 70% of the population. Full analogue switch-off will take place on 21 July.
The deputy minister for communications, Paolo Romani, noted that, as in previous years, €110 million has been included in the 2006 budget in order to help households purchase interactive set-top boxes. It is likey, however, that the amount of the subsidy will decrease from €70 to €50 per household.
In addition, Romani also announced that the next region for analogue switch-off will likely be Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Gino Alberico from DigiTAG gave a presentation on DTT services throughout Europe.
Source: SAT Expo website
:: 22 July 2005
Mediaset adds PPV movies
Mediaset is to expand its pay-per-view DTT service by introducing a nightly movie service.
The Italian operator will offer four movies each night priced at €4 for recent releases and €2 for classic movies. Mediaset has plans to expand the service further still by including other programming genres such as reality television.
The company has already sold 1.5 million cards for its pay-per-view coverage of Serie A football. It holds the rights to 9 teams including Milan, Juventus, Inter and Roma. From the autumn the cards will be rechargeable over the telephone, the Internet and at local shops and kiosks.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 21 June 2005
Italy and Bosnia & Herzegovina sign communication agreement
The Italian Regulatory Agency (AGCOM) and Communications Regulatory Authority of Bosnia & Herzegovina (RAK) have signed an Agreement of partnership.
According to RAK representative Dunja Mijatovic, the project will be of relevance to all areas of the electronic communications sector and help Bosnia & Herzegovina draw on Italy’s experience of implementing digital technologies.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 25 May 2005
Champions League on DTT platform?
Flavio Cattaneo, the head of the public broadcaster RAI, has announced that RAI would like to acquire the broadcast rights of Champion League matches for the DTT platform.
RAI intends to participate in the upcoming auction of broadcast rights set to take place on 2 June.
Source: Reuters
:: 10 May 2005
New T-government services on the DTT platform
T-government services have been given a push in Italy. Six plans have been given €3 million in financing from the Foundation Ugo Bordoni. They include:
1. A nationwide service that will allow payment for government
services via a postal checking account.
2. In Parma, viewers will be able to pay government fines.
3. In Lombardy, viewers will be able to access information on health
related information as well as schedule medical appointments.
4. In Verona, RAI will provide the local hospital with the possibility
of offering tele-medicine services as well as distance learning services.
5. In Bologna, the university will provide daily activities for children
at a risk for dyslexia.
6. In Milan, the university will provide information on the job market
as well as distance learning and t-commerce services
The services will be accessible through either a smartcard or telephone.
Source: Virgilio.it
:: 22 April 2005
European Commission probes STB subsidies
According to reports from Reuters, the European Commission (EC) is investigating the Italian government's subsidy for MHP set-top boxes. When asked if an investigation was underway, EC spokesman Jonathan Todd stated, "we received a complaint last year and we are looking into it."
The Italian government is currently offering a €70 subsidy on the sale of interactive set top boxes. A similar subsidy also existed in 2004.
The case is being reviewed under the Commission's state aid rules, which prohibit aid from governments to private enterprise except in certain exceptional circumstances.
Source: Reuters
:: 20 April 2005
Switch-off in Sardinia and Valle d'Aoste
The local governments of Sardinia and Valle d'Aoste have signed an agreement with the national Ministry of Communications agreeing to switch-off their analogue signals by January 2006.
As part of the agreement, the local governments will work together with broadcasters to put in place the necessary conditions to allow for analogue switch-off.
Source: RAI
:: 18 April 2005
Nearly 2 million set-top boxes sold
According to information presented at the first national conference on DTT, 1,910,400 set-top boxes have been sold in Italy as of March 2005.
It is expected that 3 million set-top boxes will be sold by the end of 2005.
Source: Studio Celentano
:: 8 April 2005
Minister denies rumours of digital switchover delays
The Italian Minister for Communications, Maurizio Gasparri, has confirmed that analogue switch-off will take place in 2006.
The Minister responded to rumours of the contrary, stating that "I've read some stupid headlines written by stupid people. A deadline was fixed for the switch-off, that is 2006, and it hasn't changed.We are working to switch to the digital system as provided for by the law."
Source: DM Europe
:: 24 March 2005
1.2 million pre-paid DTT cards sold
According to the Vice President of Mediaset, over 1.2 million pre-paid DTT cards have been sold. He expects the number to reach 1.6 million within the next two weeks.
Pre-paid cards were launched in January by Mediaset and La7, part of the Telecom Italia group. They provide access to Italian Serie A football games on the DTT platform.
Source: Dataxis Research
:: 27 January 2005
RTD launches new programme services
Reti Televisive Digitali (RTD) officially launched two new digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels and new MHP interactive TV (iTV) applications and services. They are based on the DigiHost platform from Irish iTV software company DigiSoft.TV.
RTD provides 24-hour coverage to an area of Italy from Lombardy to Milan, Como, Varese and Pavia, with a population in excess of five million people.
Source: DigiSoft.tv website
:: 24 January 2005
Mediaset scores with PPV soccer
Pay-per-view digital set-top box cards that allow viewers to watch top Italian football matches for €3 a time are proving a hit for Mediaset. The service sold an estimated 150,000 cards through a single retailer in its first two days.
Source: DTG News
:: 18 January 2005
DTT cooperation between France and Italy
France and Italy have signed an industrial cooperation accord for the promotion of digital television. The accord was signed during a meeting between the French Minister for Industry, Patrick Devedjian and the Italian Minister for Communications, Maurizzio Gasparri.
As part of the cooperation, France and Italy have agreed to share information, especially related to standards, coordinate their positions related to digital television and to promote investment in the DTT sector,
Source: AFP
:: 6 January 2005
Espresso publishing group acquires Rete A
Italy's Espresso publishing group has reached an agreement with publisher Alberto Peruzzo to acquire 100% of the Italian national terrestrial TV network Rete A for a total of €115 million. Rete A currently broadcasts in the analogue format but has received authorisation for future digital terrestrial broadcasts. The analogue signal covers almost 80% of the Italian population.
The company, which has €5 million in cash and a positive and growing cash-flow, is committed to build its own digital broadcasting network that will provide a coverage of at least 50% of the Italian population, as covered under the current regulations.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 23 December 2004
Italian DTT football kicks off in Jan 2005
Telecom Italia Media has said its digital TV broadcasts of Italian Serie A football will begin on January 22. The pay-per-view service will be transmitted in the digital multiplex of the La 7 TV Network.
The company holds the rights to the home matches of Cagliari, Palermo, Fiorentina, Chievo, Lecce, Reggina, Brescia, Bologna, and Parma. It is expected that pre-pay cards will be made available from January 15.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 17 November 2004
DTT subsidy could be cut
Italian communications minister Maurizio Gasparri has said that the Government is looking to reduce the amount of subsidy it pays per digital decoder following a fall in the price of set-top boxes. Gasparri also stated that while the Government plans to pass the subsidy law it is likely that the State’s contribution will be decreased from €150 to between €70 and €80.
The cabinet office and Bordoni foundation are putting €10 million towards the development of interactive television services in which Gasparri said considerable interest had been expressed.
Source: Dataxis
:: 2 November 2004
Digital turnover reaches €8 billion
According to a study published by Assodigitale, an Italian digital interest group, the Italian digital industry is expected to have a turnover of more than 8 billion euro in 2005. If the turnover from related industries, such as IT companies, is also included, the figure would reach €25 billion.
The digital industry refers to the combined purchases made by individuals, families, enterprise and institutions for subscriptions, pre-paid cards and pay-to-view digital satellite and terrestrial TV, digital contents distributed through the Internet and mobile phones, marketing services and advertising through digital media, CD and DVD markets and digital games.
Source: SAT Expo Web Letter
:: 28 October 2004
Name for Mediaset's kids channel
Italy’s new free-to-air kids channel has finally got a name - Boing - and a test signal has already been activated on Mediaset's national DTT multiplex. The channel is a joint venture between Mediaset and Turner Broadcasting and is scheduled to launch on November 20.
In order to make place for the new arrival, VJ TV, a music video channel has been sacrificed. Mediaset's multiplex, besides Boing, now carries the following channels: Rete 4, Class News, Ventiquattrore TV, BBC World and Coming Soon TV.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 21 October 2004
Mediaset chooses Nagravision for pay-DTT
Italian broadcaster Mediaset has chosen Nagravision's conditional access systems for its pay digital TV services scheduled to launch in 2005.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nagravision will secure pay-per-view (PPV) offerings over Mediaset's digital terrestrial platform, the first commercial DTTV service in Italy. Nagravision will download its conditional access technology on to the DTT-enabled set-top boxes already deployed and will work with all digital STB manufacturers to enable the timely launch of the service.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 7 October 2004
Italy confirms MHP subsidies
The Italian government has confirmed that it will continue state subsidies of MHP digital decoders next year, although at €120 rather than the current €150 per box. This is due to the following price of set-top boxes.
In order to qualify for a subsidy, digital decoders must be MHP compliant and include a smartcard reader and integrated modem.
Source: informitv.com
:: 6 October 2004
RTV38 launches free-to-air interactive TV services
RTV38 has become the first regional television channel in Italy to broadcast digital interactive television services (DVB-T MHP). RTV38 is one of over 600 regional Italian broadcasters. RTV38 and Irish interactive TV software company DigiSoft.tv developed the interactive applications.
The interactive applications include local government information services, interactive weather, interactive advertising, a household & personal tax calculator, email and sms messaging. RTV38 will also launch t-learning, interactive news, a customisable, scrolling news and sports ticker and interactive voting services over the next weeks.
RTV38 covers the Italian regions of Toscana, Umbria, Marche, North Lazio and east Liguria with a population spread in excess of five million people.
Source: DigiSoft.tv website
:: 2 July 2004
Mediaset snags DTT soccer rights
Mediaset has announced a deal for the DTT rights of the home games of Juventus, Inter and AC Milan. The deal is valid for the next three seasons. The deal is reported to have cost Mediaset €86 million
Mediaset will recoup the investment via an innovative pre-paid card system modelled on pre-paid mobile phones. Fans will be able to buy cards one match at a time from as little as E2 each.
Source: advanced-television.com
:: 27 May 2004
Rete 4 gets analogue green light
Italy’s communications regulator has given permission for Rete 4 to continue analogue transmissions until 2006. The terrestrial network, owned by Prime Minister Berlusconi’s Mediaset Group has been told it will be able to carry on broadcasting until digital switchover.
The decision goes against the wishes of the constitutional court, which in 2002 had advised that the channel should move to a digital only service in order to free up terrestrial frequencies.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 7 May 2004
RAI clear for DTT acquisitions
Italy’s antitrust authority has cleared RAI to go ahead and acquire 11 independent broadcast companies. The public broadcaster needs the companies in order to obtain additional frequencies as part of the build out of its digital TV network.
The authority ruled that that RAI’s involvement would not prejudice the entrance of other operators into the market.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 14 April 2004
Explosion of DTT in Italy
Since the beginning of January, the date of its national launch, DTT has already seduced 150,000 Italian homes. This performance, "leads one to believe that, as early as this summer, Italy will the DTT leader in continental Europe" according to Emmanuel Gout, adviser to the Italian minister of communications.
Source: Le Figaro
:: 25 March 2004
Mediaset to spend €20m more on DTT
Italian broadcaster Mediaset has said it expects to spend a further €20 million on digital television services during 2004. The company, controlled by the family of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, has already spent €50 million on the purchase of frequencies and the launch of its services.
Mediaset is looking at the possibility of launching a children’s channel, possibly with an international partner, and developing pay-TV services over the digital terrestrial network.
Source: Broadband TV News
:: 19 March 2004
Italian DTT boxes selling at 2,000 a day
More than 20,000 digital decoders have been sold in Italy since the introduction of a €150 state subsidy at the end of February, with boxes selling at the rate of 2,000 a day, according to DGTVi, Italy's digital TV operators' association.
At a recent DTT workshop organised by DGTVi, Fernando Napolitano, CEO of strategic consultancy Booz Allen Italia, said that €500 million has already been invested in the Italian DTT market, whilst DGTVi president and the head of RAI's DTT department, Carlo Sartori, commented that if the positive trend should continue, up to one million decoders could be sold by the end of 2004. He added that trials conducted by the public broadcaster in Rome, Turin and Palermo have been very encouraging.
RAI, La7 and MTV Italia have currently achieved 62 per cent coverage of the population with a digital signal, whilst D-Free covers 54 per cent and Mediaset; 51 per cent, although this is due to increase to 70 per cent by June.
Source: DTG website
:: 9 March 2004
Towards 400,000 DTTV Decoders Sold in Italy
Between 1 December 2003 and March 2004, four national multiplexes have been launched and a fifth multiplex is to follow next month. Coverage stands at 50% and targeted to extend to 70% by the end of 2004. Sales of receivers are