Royal Decree approves use of the digital dividend

A royal decree detailing the conditions for the allocation of multiple different operators and the reserve of the “digital dividend” has been approved by the Cabinet. The need for the changes has been determined by the European Union’s plan for occupying the frequency band from 790 to 862 megahertz (radio frequency channels 61 to 69) by mobile/broadband services.
As a result, the private TV stations have to vacate the frequencies they now occupy. This will be done 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
Item added: 6th April 2010