Strategy of the Republic of Slovenia for the digital switchover

STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA FOR THE SWITCHOVER FROM ANALOGUE TO DIGITALBROADCASTING3 ENVISAGED PLAN OF SWITCHOVERThe envisaged switchover plan has been harmonised with therecommendations of the European Union and at the EU level. It likewiserespects the final deadline for withdrawal of analogue terrestrial broadcastingin all member states.The Republic of Slovenia undertakes to require, during the switchover todigital broadcasting technology, that multiplex operators (network operators)ensure maximum coverage of the population using terrestrial digitalbroadcasting on public radio and television channels. At the end of thetransition period, coverage must be as defined by legislation and the criteria.Envisaged timeframe for the switchover to digital broadcasting:– by 2007 (preparation of the relevant legislation),– by the end of 2008 (execution of public tenders for the implementation ofdigital broadcasting, determination of the necessary technical frameworks fordigital broadcasting, commencement of broadcasting in the digital technique),– from 2009 to the end of 2010 (transitional period under the strategyprepared),– the deadline for the end of broadcasting in the analogue technique is setfor the end of 2010. It has to be underlined that, with the consent ofstakeholders (multiplex operators, content providers or televisionprogrammes, APEK and the RS), the deadline may be shortened, andconsequently the transition costs will be lower.In line with these planned dynamics for the switchover to digital broadcasting,the Republic of Slovenia undertakes to inform – in line with the timeframeand the switchover strategy of the digital broadcasting – citizens and otherresidents, enabling them to make their consumer decisions at a sufficientlyearly stage of the switchover on the basis of information available.For rapid and effective switchover from analogue to digital broadcastingtechnology, it is vital that consumers are well informed and early enoughabout the benefits of digital broadcasting and the new services enabled by theswitchover.Given an effective and coordinated operation by all those involved, the finaldate for the switchover and withdrawal of all analogue terrestrial television12