Sardinia reaches switchover agreement



The Italian communications authority has confirmed a deal has been reached between TV operators in the region of Sardinia on how digital switchover should be managed. There had been fears that the regulator would have to step in to force an agreement.

Sardinia is the first of the 20 Italian regions that will make the switch to digital only broadcasts. 2012 has been set as the date by when the process is expected to be completed.

Commenting on the agreement authority president Corrado Calabro said the result was important for the entire country because it is the first time an agreement had been reached between all the stakeholders.

Broadcasters in the region are lead by the public broadcaster RAI alongside commercial operators Mediaset and Telecom Italia Media. An additional frequency will allow room for a fourth broadcaster with coverage of 80% of the region.

Separately, Mediaset is expected to announce details of a new DTT pay package within the next few days.

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