In Ireland, the recently published Broadcasting Bill provides for the eventual replacement of the current analogue transmission system, by Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). The Director of Telecommunications Regulation has also produced a consultation paper outlining her plans for licensing DTT transmission.
Overview of the proposals
The Broadcasting Bill, 1999 envisages the transfer of the benefits of certain broadcasting and related licences granted to RTE (the national broadcasting authority) under the Broadcasting Authority Acts and the Wireless Telegraphy Acts to a company to be designated by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. The Bill also facilitates the transfer by RTE of its existing transmission infrastructure to the designated company in exchange for a shareholding in that company.
