Five companies interested in VRT network

Media reports have suggested that five companies are interested in purchasing VRT, the Flemish public service broadcaster, reports Broadband TV News.
The potential bidders are believed to be Belgacom, Telenet, TDF, Mobistar and Macquarie.
Initially the successful bidder would only be allowed a minority stake, which would then be allowed to increase gradually to 75% minus 1 share. The remainder would be sold to the Flemish government.
Analogue switch-off in the Flemish-speaking community is set to take place by the end of 2008. However, the national communications regulator, BIPT, has taken steps to nullify these switch-off plans as reported previously.
According to the BIPT, the power to decide frequency allocation and usage should be taken by the BIPT and not the Flemish government.
Main source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 28th April 2008