SDN signs with Arqiva for new digital TV network

Arqiva has been awarded a contract by SDN Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of ITV plc – to upgrade and operate the existing multiplex to a high power network, in preparation for digital switchover. The contract will run until 2034 and is estimated to be worth in the region of £500 million over its 27 year term. SDN currently broadcasts a range of popular free-to-air channels including Five, S4C and QVC together with pay-channels via Top Up TV.
SDN intends to continue to broadcast from the 81 key transmission sites from which it is currently transmitted but Arqiva will increase its transmission power levels to provide enhanced coverage so that it will be available to over 90% of the UK population by the end of switchover.
This latest contract follows the appointment of Arqiva as digital transmission supplier to the BBC (two multiplexes) and as preferred supplier to Digital 3 and 4 Ltd. These three Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) multiplexes will use the nationwide infrastructure of 1154 sites to provide 98.5% coverage
Source: Aquiva
Item added: 1st August 2007