The Broadcasting Coordination Council (BCC) extended the deadline by which Agro TV, Canal Regional and Jurnal TV were to switch over to the digital broadcasting format for six months, IPN reports.

The representatives of the three TV channels explained that the delay in the launch of broadcasting through multiplex A is due to the high costs that monthly amount to thousands of euros.

In this connection, BCC member Dinu Ciocan said it is regrettable that the broadcasters that asserted they will be able to cover the costs associated with the switchover to the digital format didn’t honor their obligations.

There are two more broadcasters that didn’t start to broadcast when they obtained a license for multiplex A, while two broadcasters announced that they renounce this license. Thus, the BCC voted to exclude the given slots occupied as a result of a contest. The four free slots will be put up again for contest.

Director general of the state-run radio-communications company “Radiocomunicatii” Mihai Iacob said the investments in multiplexes A and B are enormous and the company is unable to pay salaries to the 200 employees. “From technical viewpoint, the two multiplexes enable to cover 95% of the country’s territory with digital television,” he stated.

As of January 1, 2018, the TV channels in Moldova will broadcast only in digital format. The signal could be decoded by TV sets that have the DVB-T2 reception technology incorporated. The ordinary TV sets will need a set-top box for the purpose.

Currently, eight TV channels broadcast in digital formal through multiplex A. This multiplex can host 15 TV channels. A set-top box costs between 500 to 900 lei.