Ofcom Solicits Applications for New HD DTT Slot

LONDON: British media regulator Ofcom has invited applications from the U.K.’s commercial public-service broadcasters to fill a fifth high-definition slot on Freeview.

The new channel would join BBC HD, BBC One HD, ITV1 HD and 4HD that are already available on DTT. According to Ofcom, sales of Freeview HD devices have topped 1.8 million. HD services are currently available to 50 percent of U.K. homes, and coverage will rise as the digital switchover continues to completion next year.

Broadcasters have till October 17 to submit applications. The criteria Ofcom will use to determine the winning application will include an assessment of how the new capacity will contribute to enhancing the range of high quality television services available on DTT. The cost of the new license will be based on a percentage of the broadcaster’s qualifying revenue. It is expected that the new channel will be ready to launch by April 1, 2012.