The Government Wants to Finalise the Transition to Digitalisation. Solutions for Broadcasters and Citizens are Needed

According to Adrian Lebedinschi, the Ministry of Economy (MoE), the Broadcasting Council, the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology and other structures responsible for implementing the digital system are currently concerned about finalising the transition to the digital signal by 1 March 2020.

To this end, a number of 9,000 of set-top-boxes, which can receive such signals (the new TVs usually have such devices), were purchased. They are to be distributed to disadvantaged families via the MoE. If not enough, more will be purchased.

Lebedinschi added that, following the discussions with the relevant authorities, 18 TV channels, as opposed to the current 15, would be included in the Multiplex A (the first in Moldova to rebroadcast TV channels in digital format). ‘Thus, people who will have free access to Multiplex A will benefit from 18 channels broadcast on the territory of the Republic of Moldova’, said the MP.

According to the MP, only 6 TV channels currently broadcast through the digital terrestrial system. He stated that a total of 36 TV channels would broadcast through the digital terrestrial format if the Multiplex B was also to be built.

The BC will announce a contest for the free slots. In addition, Lebedinschi highlighted that the Ministry of Economy was going to ask the BC to promote some spots to inform the citizens about the digitization and how they could have access to the digital terrestrial signal.

Note that the transition from the analog signal to the digital one is a long-term process in Moldova. In previous years, broadcasters were not interested in switching to the digital signal because of the too high multiplex access fees (about EUR 5,600 monthly per slot). ‘We are looking for solutions to reduce the monthly fees to be paid by companies that broadcast through Multiplex’, said Lebedinschi during the briefing.

Estimated coverage area of DVB-T2 transmitters. Source: Radiocomunicații

In an interview for Media-Azi, the member of the Electronic Press Association, Alexandru Dorogan, claimed that ‘the only good solution is for the Government to build the necessary regional multiplexes and to rent slots to the local broadcasters at reasonable prices’.

The Director of Cimislia TV channel ‘Media TV’, Andrei Bargan, previously proposed that ‘the Government should find a grant-project, with the EU participation, in order to build at least nine regional multiplexes for local and regional TV channels’.

In their turn, the representatives of Radiocomunicații State Enterprise explained for Media-azi.md that the transition to digital broadcasting required huge investments that the Government could not afford.

Note that the deadline for the transition from the analog signal to the digital one in Moldova was modified several times. Last time, the Parliament extended this deadline in February 2018, establishing a new deadline for the 1st March 2020.