Hungary - Regulation and Spectrum - History
03.09.2008
The government strategy for the implementation of digital broadcasting (both radio and television) was approved in March 2007. The Act on the rules of broadcasting and digital switchover was published in June 2007. It gives the legal background on the introduction of digital radio services, but specifies that more detailed regulation will be needed on local digital radio and issues regarding switchover.
In line with the provisions of this Act, in March 2008 the National Communications Authority (NCAH) published an invitation to tender for a national multiplex. The winner - expected to be announced in 2008 - will be awarded a 12 year licence. Services are likely to launch before the end of 2008 in the capital, most probably using DAB+ technology. National coverage will gradually increase up until 2011, which is the deadline for analogue TV switch off.
17.07.2008
The government strategy for the implementation of digital broadcasting (both radio and television) was approved in March 2007. The Act on the rules of broadcasting and digital switchover was published in June 2007. It gives the legal background on the introduction of digital radio services, but specifies that more detailed regulation will be needed on local digital radio and issues regarding switchover.
In line with the provisions of this Act, in March 2008 the National Communications Authority (NCAH) published an invitation to tender for a national multiplex. The winner - expected to be announced in summer 2008 - will be awarded a 12 year licence. Services are likely to launch before the end of 2008 in the capital, most probably using DAB+ technology. National coverage will gradually increase up until 2011, which is the deadline for analogue TV switch off.
01.02.2008
An official tender started in fall 2007 for a multiplex in the VHF band. The winners will probably be announced in early 2008. The Hungarian government is currently performing a survey on which technology they should use for mobile TV, comparing DMB with its competitors. This is mainly a theoretical comparison and it is thought that Hungary is waiting for the situation in the rest of Europe to become clear before any decision will be made.