Digital radio- and tele-broadcasting have been launched in the North Caucasus for the first time, TASS-Telecom reported last week.
The launch ceremony took place in Vladikavkaz in the Republic of Northern Ossetia-Alanya and was attended by Igor Shchegolev, the Minister of Communications and Mass Media.
The first multiplex – the set of television and radio broadcasting channels shown on one digital channel – has been made possible through a federal program to develop digital TV and radio through 2015. Under the program, a total of 49 telecommunication facilities, including 28 new ones, are to be launched in Northern Ossetia. Reportedly, this will ensure digital coverage of 98% of the region’s population and facilitate the introduction of high-speed Internet access.
The new infrastructure will also to be used to develop video conferencing services, e-government services, and alert systems with the Ministry of Emergency Situations.