Funferal

DTT for Ireland

Word today of government plans for a Digital Terrestrial Television trial in Ireland. What’s significant is that it seems that the trial is being conducted by the government itself, separate from RTÉ’s technical subsidiary – though RTÉ could (and probably will) tender for the network and transmission elements. What will be interesting will be who else tenders for this work as it could indicate where competition for control over multiplexes in DAB and DTT is likely to come from in the future. I’m guessing that eircom, Vodafone and BT are all possible candidates here. I’d also expect interest from the former ntl Ireland – recently acquired by John Malone – using their MMDS locations as a basis (and giving them control over new distribution channels).