HD on DTT hits obstacle

Portugal Telecom (PT) failed to launch a Pay DTT services on 5 multiplexes in Portugal and following the revocation of its licence negotiated a change to its licence conditions with ANACOM which would allow it to launch a free to air HD services. However this has now been challenged by the Regulatory Authority for Social Communication (ERC).
The problem seems to be centred on PT’s entitlement to compensation following the revocation of its pay-TV licence. Anacom had agreed to return PT’s deposit of €2.5 million following the renegotiation. The ERC refused to accept the request and although the decision is not binding a consultation phase must now take place.
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Jorge Lacão, said that “all possibilities are open” as to the future use of the capacity.
Portugal Telecom said it intended to launch a petition to clarify the situation.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 28th June 2010