Safe transition to digital TV: Telenor wants to build digital terrestrial TV network in Norway

"All households currently receiving analogue TV signals must be ensured simple and safe transition to digital TV with more TV channels and new TV services. We are familiar with the requirements put forward to contractors in the previous call and parliamentary reading. The building of broadcast networks and distribution of TV signals is our core business. We have the knowledge and experience to fulfil all requirements put forward to licence applicants for digital terrestrial networks. We intend to use open standards, which will promote competition in the terrestrial network, and ensure freedom of choice and variety to the viewers. At the same time we can offer the TV channels digital distribution on equal terms and without ownership risks. This is why we have stated our interest in applying for a licence for digital terrestrial TV network," said Executive Vice President and head of Telenor Broadcast, Stig Eide Sivertsen.

The requirements imposed on the party tasked with building and operating the digital terrestrial TV network include specific requirements relating to coverage, i.e. ensuring that all households may receive digital TV signals. Viewers shall be offered added value, and the Norwegian broadcaster NRK's license-charged products must be offered free of charge. The costs relating to the equipment required to receive signals must be limited, and the public must have full access to receiving equipment and technical assistance. All requirements relating to preparedness and local TV services must also be met. The Norwegian Storting (Parliament) has imposed stricter requirements for coverage, digital added value and improved customer support.

Canal Digital has completed transitions from analogue to digital TV for satellite and in a substantial number of cable networks. The company runs its own laboratory, where receivers are tested and full quality assurance is provided. The customer centres answer thousands of calls from customers every day. Canal Digital has developed receivers that are capable of receiving transmissions from both satellites and the digital terrestrial networks in Sweden and Finland. Since the first Norwegian license for a digital terrestrial network was issued in 2002, the technological development has enabled the construction of better receivers, with more functions, without any additional cost.

About Telenor Broadcast

Telenor Broadcast Holding is one of three business areas in Telenor ASA. Broadcast had in 2004 revenues of close to 5.4 billion NOK. The business area Broadcast consists of four companies. Satellite Broadcasting offer distribution of TV signals via satellite. Norkring owns and operates the terrestrial network for radio and TV in Norway. Canal Digital is the largest distributor of TV in the Nordic region and offer TV services on all platforms. Conax delivers conditional access and pay solutions. Broadcast has 750 employees and customers in 40 different countries, and is headquartered at Fornebu outside Oslo.

Further information:

Corporate Executive Vice President and head of Telenor Broadcast, Stig Eide Sivertsen, tel: + 47 90 95 57 67