ARCEP last week published the results of its "digital dividend" consultation, which received 50 responses - more than any previous consultation carried out by the French telecommunications regulator. As expected, there were differences of opinion between broadcasters and telephone companies, who will compete for use of the frequencies freed up by analogue switch-off. ARCEP said that many respondents highlighted the importance of identifying part of the digital dividend as a sub-band and harmonising this at the European level early on. But broadcasters, said the regulator, "consider that any decision on the digital dividend is currently premature and should be delayed until after analogue television is no more." While some players said that the volume of the digital dividend could be known only after switch-off, others offered plans showing how more than the seven planned digital multiplexes could be supported.
展开▼
