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On 8th October 2002, Its'TV Limited, the sole applicant for the licence to operate the digital terrestrial television multiplexes withdrew, thus ending the competition to award the licence. The sale of RTE Network was frozen on the same date. It now looks increasingly likely that there will be no DTT service in the Republic of Ireland.

DTT was first mooted for the ROI in 1998 when plans were produced by the Government for the now-abandoned "Digico" system. In 2000 the plans were altered to allow for a completly-private DTT operation and a seperate transmission company. In February 2001 these proposals became law as the Broadcasting Act 2001. On 16th May 2001 the government offically declared the competition to run Irish DTT open for bids. On 5th August 2001, the bidding closed, and the government is now considering the bids. 80% of the marks will be awarded on the basis of a sound business plan and their plans for promoting the service. 20% will be awarded on the basis of a cash bid for the licence.

The Timetable
16/5/01 - Experessions of Interest Invited in Mux Operator and Transmission Company licences
8/6/01 - Applications invited for licence to run DTT mux operator.
5/8/01 - Bidding closes. Its'TV is sole applicant
August 2001 Applications considered by Minister and AIB.
8/10/2002 - Its'TV withdraws application, ending the competition for the DTT mux licence.
8/10/2002 - RTE Network sale process suspended.

The Multiplex Operator Contenders
it'sTV Limited: Chaired by Peter Brangan, and also including three other ex-RTE executives who worked on the ill-fated Digico Project. Backed by Delta Partners, a Dublin venture capital firm. They have not made publically known any of their plans yet, although one would assume they are close to the original RTE plans in the "RTE Policy on Digital Terrestrial Television", available at www.rte.ie Its' known that it'sTV intend to use the WINDS system being developed by RTE as a back channel for their interactive services.
Their website is www.itstv.ie .

No other bidders have publically declared their intention to seek the licence and it is now pretty clear that no one else has bid. The bid continues to be evaluated, although it is known that It'sTV now has financial difficulties which are preventing the final award of the licence.

The Transmission Company
We'll also have the latest details of the race to take control of RTE Network here.

More Information

• The Plan in detail
  All about the plans to run DTT in Ireland

• Broadcasting Act 2001
  The law that introduced DTT also provides for reforms of RTE and the BCI.

Latest News Stories

• DTT: Government considers sealed bids for licence 5/8/01

• Race for DTT licences begins 17/5/01

• ODTR announces terms of DTT licences 24/3/01

• Digital TV legislation finally passed 24/2/01

• Major Changes to Irish DTT Plans Confirmed 27/2/00

Links

• RTE Interactive - Witness (WINDS)
  The wireless back-channel system for Irish DTT.

• The RTE Digital Policy Document
  RTE's original proposals for Irish DTT led to the abandoned Digico Project.

• ODTR Website
  Be sure to read the (very extensive!) NERA/Smith report recommending the introduction of DTT - it is THE bible on multichannel TV in Ireland and forms the basis of Irish DTT.

• Broadcasting Commission of Ireland
  They'll be responsible for licencing any non-RTE/TG4 channels on Irish DTT.

• Parliament (Oirechtas Eireann) Website
  Where you can read the Broadcasting Act 2001 for yourself.