RTÉ has shortlisted three firms to submit bids for a stake in its transmission network in a competition which could net the State broadcaster up to €60 million.

A subcommittee of the RTÉ Authority met yesterday to discuss the bids submitted by firms from the private equity and broadcasting sectors. It is understood one bidder is France Telecom subsidary TDF.

The process to sell at least a 72 per cent stake in RTÉ's transmission network was prompted by a Government plan to introduce a new digital television service, a policy now under threat following lengthy delays in awarding a licence to operate the service here.