Free to air DTT by the end of the year

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has published the results of its consultation on Digital Television strategy.
Malta will have one SDTV free to air multiplex operated by the public service broadcaster with up to six services. A second frequency will also be reserved for the future provision of free to air HDTV services.
The public service broadcaster is expected to start rolling out service in March 2009 with completion of the full network by the end of the year.
It is estimated that 17% of the population currently rely on free to air terrestrial television services and a public information campaign telling the population about the changes will begin during the 2nd quarter of 2009. Full analogue switch off will occur at the end of 2010.
Pay-DTT services have been operating in Malta since 2005 and provide coverage to 100% of the population.
Source: MCA website
Item added: 16th February 2009