Communications Regulatory Authority

mobility), as an alternative to other technologies (fibre, DSL, etc.); b) a hot-spot (with
service quality and speed/coverage higher than wi-fi); c) a backhaul for fixed and
mobile networks. Moreover this technology may have applications also in the mobile
sector; however, the wi-max 802.16e standard, which extends the fixed to nomadic
access mode to mobile, is still under definition. It was ratified at the end of 2005 by
IEEE whereas the tests for the certification of the equipment will not start before the
end of 2006. Since the two technologies (“fixed” wi-max – 802.16-2004 version – and
“mobile” wi-max – 802.16e version) are not interoperable between them operators will
have to decide whether to launch the “fixed” wi-max” or wait for the arrival of the
“mobile” wi-max.
1.2.2. Television
Acquisitions in the TV market
2005 was characterized by a large number of acquisitions in the sector of digital
terrestrial television. These operations aimed mainly at developing the digital
transmission network.
In this connection, it is pointed out that as to the terrestrial network, the existing
system (the so-called switch-over) is characterized by the simultaneous presence of the
two infrastructures of analogue and digital networks. The coexistence of the two
networks aims at enabling, on the one hand, the technical upgrading of the transmission
facilities of existing network operators and, on the other hand, to give users time to be
equipped with the necessary set-top box to receive transmissions with the new standard.
Law no. 66 of 20 March 2001, set 2006 as deadline to stop the terrestrial analogue TV
transmission; decree-law no. 273 of 22 December 2005 changed this deadline,
indicating the date for the switch-off of analogue transmission by the year 2008 (cf.
paragraph 1.2.6.). During the transition stage, the development of digital terrestrial
networks can take place both through the acquisition of facilities and frequencies from
third parties and by means of the conversion into digital technique of facilities and
frequencies already owned by the broadcaster. Therefore, during 2005, the leading
operators started a policy of acquisitions aimed at enhancing their transmission network.
In parallel, new operators entered the market, such as L’Espresso Publishing Group, that
bought the Rete A TV station.
The growth of pay-tv offers
In 2005 the gradual introduction of TV offers on platforms different from the
terrestrial analogue network took place in the Italian television market. This enables end
users to receive contents in digital mode via the terrestrial network, satellite and cable.
69