Government announces digital switch concept

The Government’s digital changeover plan has been revealed today.

The presentation, led by Dimitri Kumsishvili, Georgia’s Deputy of Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, highlighted several changes in various fields, including legislative, technological standards, multiplexes, regional broadcasting, parallel broadcasting and customers (Set Top Box).

The document was prepared with active collaboration of non-governmental organizations and local broadcasters' requirements, Kumsishvlili stated.

"To switch from analogue to digital broadcasting is a priority for the country, and for broadcasters and viewers. It supports improvement of media pluralism, freedom of speech and future development of broadcast,” Kumsishvili announced.

Digital broadcasting is an advanced technology that enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality and multiple channels of programming.

The Deputy Minister said in the future, up to 15 TV channels could be in use instead of one broadcasting frequency used today.

"New technology has let broadcasters spread broadly across the country and allowed the service to be opened up to a larger audience. In addition, citizens have the possibility of getting more, improved TV channels for free”, he said.

Citizens must need special TV equipment, namely a Set Top Box to be able to receive digital signals. The special devices will enter Georgia’s market this year and will have hologram distinctive sign sticker.

Meanwhile, the Government has also considered issues surrounding the provision of Set Top Boxes to socially vulnerable families.

The Digital Broadcasting Agency, established by the Ministry of Economy, will lead a large scale media campaign of the reform.

Georgia will switch from analogue to digital broadcast television before June 17, 2015.