Russia needs five more satellites for digital coverage

Russia will need to launch five more satellites to make digital TV available across the country, according to media and communications minister Igor Shchyogolev.

Shchyogolev said one satellite was already under construction, while tenders had been held for a further two, according to local reports.

Shchyogolev said it would cost about RUB120-127bn (€2.75-2.9bn) to roll out digital TV across Russia, with about RUB80bn being provided by the Federal government and the remained to be provided by participating enterprises and regional authorities. Plans are now underway to build digital-terrestrial networks in four Russian federal regions.