Falling Box Prices Lead To Reduced Subsidy

State subsidies on MHP digital decoders are to continue next year, the Italian government has announced, but at a reduced level. At the Sat Expo trade show in Vicenza, Communications Minister Maurizio Gasparri announced that a subsidy of €120, down from €150, will be available to all purchasers of MHP set top boxes and integrated receiver decoders. The reduction is attributed to the falling cost of decoders.

To qualify for a subsidy, digital decoders must be fully MHP compliant and include a smartcard reader and an integrated modem. The new level of subsidy will take effect from the end of 2004. The overall budget remains unchanged at €100 million per annum.