:: 27/03/2010

Spain - Royal Decree approves use of the digital dividend

The government has approved a Royal Decree regarding the use of frequencies in the UHF band following the completion of analogue switch-off.

According to the Royal Decree, the frequencies from 790-862 MHz will be allocated to telecom operators for the provision of mobile broadband services. Currently, four DTT networks make use of these frequencies and will need to be moved to lower frequencies in the UHF band. This proces will take place in two phases.

In the first phase, from June 2010 until March 2011, broadcasters will be allowed to use these frequencies but for a limited number of services (no more than four). In the second phase, to take place before 2015, broadcasters will no longer be able to use these frequencies.

In addition, national commercial broadcasters (Antena 3, Telecinco, Sogecable, La Sexta, Net TV, and Veo TV) will each be allocated a full DTT multiplex while the public service broadcaster RTVE will be allocated two DTT multiplexes.

Source: El Pais