Ukraine long-delayed analogue TV switch off comes into effect
Following a Ukrainian cabinet decision from 13 June 2018, countrywide analogue switch off (ASO) will take place and analogue TV will be replaced by digital terrestrial television (DTT) on 31 August.
However, Ukraine’s National Council for TV and Radio Broadcasting (NRADA) made proposals, accepted by the government on 18 July, to continue analogue broadcasts “near the border [with Russia and occupied territories] where there are risks of information influence (…) for the public broadcaster and local broadcasters that do not have digital licences.”
High demand for DTT-compatible equipment expected
The council warned Ukrainian companies of a possible sharp increase in demand for DVB-T2 (MPEG-4) compatible tuners and TV sets.
It also appealed to small suppliers of digital equipment to consider the situation on the domestic market and to ensure the availability of tuners and televisions from different price categories in shops, in order to satisfy the demand for the equipment needed to receive DTT signals.
It was announced in May 2006 that the NRADA had allocated four DTT multiplex licences and that the first services would be launched by the end of that year. Initially, ASO was planned for 2014 or 2015, but the deadline kept slipping over the years.
Broadcasting council calls for more DAB+ receivers
The NRADA also called on retailers to ensure the supply of DAB+ radio receivers as nine stations started DAB+ broadcasts to Kiev and surrounding areas on 15 June.
On 31 July, the Association of Digital Broadcasters was set up and held its first meeting.
It aims at promoting the wide adoption of digital radio across the country to implement a marketing strategy, negotiate with retailers and encourage broadcasters to join the association.
As of 31 July NRADA had granted 13 DAB+ broadcasting licences.
Picture Kiev TV Tower. At 385m high, it is the tallest freestanding lattice steel construction in the world.