[opendtv] Freeview business model

Just to clarify things:
'Freeview' is actually transmitted by two separate private sector transmission 
companies: Arqiva and NGW. The broadcasters pay these transmission companies 
for carriage of their services. Arqiva acquired the commercial broadcasters 
public networks when they were privatised years ago and NGW acquired the BBC's 
transmission networks when they were privatised years ago. Arqiva currently 
transmits the low-power DTT services of the commercial broadcasters and NGW 
currently transmits the low-power DTT BBC services. Arqiva has won the contract 
to build and operate the BBC's high power DTT network currently under 
construction and the contract for the commercial broadcasters is soon to be 
announced. Topologically all the services are transmitted from the same mast in 
each location, each company has its own buildings on the sites, and access to 
the masts is regulated. This means the coverage patterns are very similar as 
the frequencies are grouped and you only need one antenna. Very simple and very 
tidy. Its a key reason why DTT, apart from its working COFDM standard, and the 
portfolio of services which are free is such a runaway success. The things 
which make Freeview work are economies of scale and scope in both the supply 
and demand side:
a) A regulated private sector transmission business with a meshed colocated 
network technology
b) A strong free content lineup
c) Works with existing aerials, no rotors thank you very much
d)COFDM
e)Multiple suppliers of IDTVs and STBs
f)Clear consumer demand: its now a utility purchase.
Kind Regards,
Dermot Nolan


Dermot Nolan 
Director 
TBS 
DL: + 44 (0)20 7286 5570 
Mobile:+ 44 (0)7973 211703 
Email:dermot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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