French govt confirms plans for DVB-T2 launch

The French government confirmed plans to move the country to DVB-T2. The new digital broadcasting standard will be used for the so-called 'bonus' channels, to be offered to the largest broadcast groups TF1, M6 and Canal+, promised in compensation for the erosion of their market shares since the introduction of digital terrestrial TV. These channels should be allocated in November, and the government has notified the European Commission of its plans, the industry ministry confirmed to AFP. The new digital standard likely won't be used until 2013, as it requires consumers to upgrade their decoders. However the bonus channels may face opposition from the EC, which already warned France in November 2010 about the proposal. Brussels is expected to respond to the new government proposal by the end of November.