Ukrainian DTT now reaches 95% of country

DVB-T2-based digital-terrestrial TV transmission in Ukraine now reaches 95% of the country’s population, according to Vladimir Manzhosov, head of the Ukrainian National Council of Television and Radio.

Zeonbud, the licence holder for DTT in Ukraine, has invested US$134 million (€100 million) in rolling out its network. The country plans to make 32 channels available free-to-air nationwide. Ukraine has allocated UAH350 million (€33 million) this year to enable low-income groups to make the digital transition. It is estimated that 800,000 homes will receive subsidised set-tops this year, with another 700,000 to follow in 2013. The National Council aims to enable broadcasters to switch off analogue transmissions by the end of next year.