Italy to Auction DTT Frequencies

ROME: Italy has scrapped its plans to give away digital TV frequencies, instead opting to auction off its remaining DTT slots.

Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development had previously planned a competition for the six frequencies. A reported ten companies were vying for the slot. The plan was to assign the frequencies for free, based on criteria set by the Italian telecommunications regulator Agcom and the ministry. The process was being referred to as a "beauty contest." Sky Italia even withdrew its bid, criticizing the process for being too slow and unfairly favoring incumbent operators such as RAI and Mediaset.

The decision has been made to now auction the frequencies, which could bring in some 2.4 billion euros, according to analyst estimates.