Digital Dividend may not go to Broadcasters

Broadband TV reports that problems are arising over the sustainability of previous assurances on the allocation of the digital dividend to broadcasters in Sweden.
Previously the Swedish government indicated to broadcasters that the released spectrum available from digital switchover would go to broadcast television services. Now Telcos are highlighting the expected summer surge in demand for 3G mobile broadband and suggesting that the released digital spectrum could be better used to extend mobile broadband in rural areas than for television services.
Broadcasters are currently lobbying the communications minister Åsa Torstensson to stick to the original plan. He said at a recent conference that the crunch question was how much capacity should go to TV and how much should be set aside for mobile broadband. He felt that providing both would be possible.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 14th November 2007