Latvia Plans Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting with DVB-T

Latvia Plans Digital Terrestrial

The Latvian state Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) has established a subsidiary to develop digital radio and television in the country. It plans to develop digital terrestrial video broadcasting (DVB-T) in Latvia very quickly over the next few years with the objective of switching off analogue broadcasts as early as 2006. The project is split in three parts:

First part: By the end of 2001 to go live in Riga region, covering 45% of audience. Second part: By the end of 2002 to develop content for programs, interactive services and distribute set-up boxes for viewer in Riga. Third part: By the end of 2005 to cover all territory of Latvia (min 95% coverage) and continue distribution of set-up boxes. It is planned to have four national multiplexes with two additional channels for Riga region. Frequency licences have been applied for and it is expect that they will be granted by beginning of May 2001.

DLVRTC is looking for external consultants to develop business model for DVB-T in Latvia and is contacting potential partners and drawing up a shortlist for a final bidding process. The following areas of activity will be expected from external consultants:

To develop necessary changes in Latvian legislation and regulations for new telecommunication technologies. To develop technical project for the network. To develop concepts for revenues, content and interactive services. To manage DVB-T project. Expressions of interest should be directed to Guntars Spunde, e-mail: [email protected], fax: +371 7 108688, ph: +371 9 224881. General information on Latvia may be found at: www.lda.gov.lv. The Latvian State Radio and Television website is at: www.lvrtc.lv.