Mainstream British television channels will broadcast on Ireland's new trial digital service, it was announced yesterday.
Seven companies have been given the green light to air programmes on the Government-funded pilot service over the next two years. It is expected to be the beginning of the end for the old analogue television system, which the European Union hopes will be phased out by 2012.
Among the successful applicants for the trial service were RTÉ and Eircom, businessman Denis O'Brien's Communicorp, Rupert Murdoch's Sky Ireland and Channel 6. Other companies confirmed are Chellomedia Services, Magnet Networks and USP Ireland.
The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland said major UK channels, as well as local programming and radio stations, would form the service, which is due to begin broadcasting next March. Digital television is already available in Ireland for cable and satellite subscribers.
The digital system takes up less bandwidth, freeing up space for more channels and allowing for special services such as interactive features and multiprogramme viewing.
The free-to-air terrestrial pilot service will transmit from the Three Rock site in south Co Dublin and from the Clermont Carn site in Co Louth.
- (PA)