:: 28/09/2005

Austria - DTT set to launch in October 2006

Public broadcaster ORF is ready to launch DTT services in October 2006 and provide services to 70% of the population.

In second and third launch phases, ORF would like to reach 77% of the population by February 2007 and 91% of the population by the end of 2008. In December 2010, the population coverage should reach 95% with 349 transmitters.

ORF will offer ORF 1, ORF 2 and ATV+ as well as interactive services on its multiplex. Following analogue switch-off, a second multiplex may be launched.

Analogue switch-off is likely to begin in 2007 following a 6 month simulcast of analogue and digital terrestrial services.

ORF has applied for the licence for a DTT multiplex offered by the government. Under government regulations, the DTT multiplex licence holder must offer services to at least 60% of the population within the first year of receiving the licence.

In terms of television reception, 14% of households rely on the terrestrial platform.

Source: Der Standard