The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology said the digital terrestrial television territory coverage rate in Moldova is now about 70%, while the population coverage rate is 85%. The launch of the first digital multiplex (in November 2016) is one of the most important accomplishments of the digital television transition program. The functionality of Multiplex B is now being tested, IPN reports, quoting the program implementation report of the inter-institutional working group.
In a press release, the ICT Ministry says the Government is to approve changes to the digital television transition program whose goal is to increase the efficiency of the use of the spectrum of radio frequencies and diminish the broadcasting costs per broadcaster. This will become possible owing to the implementation of the compression standard H.265. In the same connection, it will be possible to use 10 of the 21 regional allotments for creating two digital television networks with national coverage. It is expected that this will increase the potential investors’ interest in these frequencies.
Moldova pledged to switch over from analog to digital terrestrial television by signing the regional agreement on the planning of the digital terrestrial broadcasting service “Geneva-2006”. Under the amendments to the Broadcasting Code adopted by Parliament, the transition to digital terrestrial television is to be completed by the end of 2017.
Multiplex A launched last November includes eight TV channels that will broadcast in digital terrestrial format: TV Moldova1, Prime TV, TVR Moldova, Canal 2, Canal 3, Publica TV, N4, and Accent TV. Another seven broadcasters authorized to broadcast in Multiplex A are: Agro TV, Jurnal TV, TV7, ITV, Regional TV, Super TV, and CTC. These will be included in the package immediately after they sign contracts for the provisions of services with the multiplex provider and ensure the conveyance of the signal up to the multiplexing equipment.
