Digitalization means more channels of higher quality. TV broadcasters are supposed to change into digital standards in 2015. Today, three TVP channels plus channels of TVN, Polsat, TV Puls and TV4 are available in the standard offer. After the changes are implemented there will be several dozens of channels, including HD ones. Clients will need to buy STB but will have a better offer. The market faces the competition from international companies but also bigger revenues generated by commercials.
The Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) wants to prepare an agenda of putting off analogue transmitters owned by public TVP. At the same time, TVP will receive digital frequencies and one multiplex where seven channels would be transmitted: three of TVP, TVN, Polsat, TV4 and TV Puls. Meanwhile, a second multiplex will be put up for sale.
Private broadcasters were sure that the state would ensure them digital multiplexes. They will be offered to buy frequencies on the second multiplex. According to Anna Strezynska, UKE CEO, they would be offered the second multiplex without a tender providing that they would ensure funds for set-top-boxes. The companies are not very happy about the new plans.
“It’s easy to make such things when you sit at your desk. It has nothing to do with reality. The market will react to irrational and illegal decisions with all legal weapons available”, Adam Brodziak from Polsat commented.
“Digitalization ended with a fiasco in the
countries when the process was conducted against market players. Besides, in
Poland, such decisions are made by the National Council of Radio and Television
KRRiT in agreement with Prime Minister. UKE will have bigger competences after
the law is amended”, Andrzej Zarebski from a joint venture of Polsat and TVN
founded to build digital television commented.