The proposals were announced in Dublin on Wednesday (22/7/98) by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. The statute allows for the creation of up to 30 terrestial digital channels and a range of telecommunication services, including data broadcast and high speed internet services.
The main points of the legislation are:
- Provide up to 30 channels, which would include three extra for RTE and additional services for TV3 and TnaG as well;
- 40% share for RTE in new company, with a strategic partner to develop and manage digital infrastructure;
- New reulatory body incorporating the functions of the Independent Radio and Television Commission (IRTC) and the Complaints Board, to monitor standards and deal with complaints;
- Give the Minister power to establish TnaG as a seperate independent company.
RTE is of course delighted with the outcome especially since it is the first good news the station has had in a while. The station will now start looking for a strategic partner which will be able to provide capital, while RTE provides the basic structure to build upon and technical skills necessary.
The move has come with surprising swiftness hot on the heels of last weeks report from the Director of Telecommunications, Etain Doyle, which laid a clear framework from which to establish digital television and addressed many of the areas which needed to be clarified before this announcement could be made (see related article).
The system will supply 30 channels, grouped into multiplexs, according to the Irish Times. Each multiplex will have five channels. RTE will receive one multiplex giving it a further three channels in addition to the existing RTE 1 and Network 2. Digital transmission will allow local news and some local programming slots in different areas. The other multiplexs will be auctioned off to those who wish to provide services in Ireland.
Although it will be several years before analogue is switched off, moves on the digital front are expected to start happening at a rapid pace. Everyone knew it was coming and preparations for its implementation are already under way. From the start of Digital all programmes will be broadcast in both analogue and digital the rate of pick-up of set top decoders and pressure from commercial interests will determine how long before the Government decides when analogue will be switched off for good. It will certainly not happen in the short term.
Michael McMahon 22/7/98
