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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Digitalisation of Serbian radio and television

Belgrade, 12 January 2009

Minister of Telecommunications and Information Society Jasna Matic today stated that Serbia must introduce digital broadcasting of its radio and television programmes by 2015 at the latest, adding that the government will have to set aside €50 million in this respect.

At a press conference held at the Serbian government building, Matic announced that round table discussions concerning a strategy for the implementation of the digitalisation process in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Nis will be held in early February.

Matic said that the Ministry aims to adopt the strategy in the first quarter of 2009.

The Minister pointed out that the International Telecommunication Union has set a deadline for the introduction of digital broadcasting, which expires on Jun 17, 2015, also saying that EU member states have agreed to shorten the deadline to 2012.

Matic said that the transfer to digital broadcasting implies investment from both citizens and broadcasters..

She added that the government must find ways to provide subsidies to vulnerable citizens, worth €20 to €50 per person, towards a TV set.

Matic said that the costs will depend on the equipment which broadcasters already have, adding that at the state level around €20 to 50 million will be set side for the broadcasting system.

Digital broadcasting will enhance the quality of the image and sound, the quality of services such as teletext and services for users with special needs and it will increase the assortment of services and the number of channels, said the Minister.