Brussels, 29/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 29 September, the European Commission opened two in-depth investigations to examine whether two schemes to finance the digitisation and extension of the terrestrial television network in Spain are in line with EU state aid rules. One investigation concerns the Spanish plan to finance the transition to digital terrestrial television (DTT). After a preliminary investigation, the Commission has doubts that the two measures are in line with EU state aid rules. The Spanish transition plan only provides for financing the digitisation and extension of the existing terrestrial network, without considering any form of support for the satellite platform, which would also be available and suitable to cover the territory.
The second case concerns the implementation of the transition plan in the region of Castilla-La Mancha. According to the modalities contained in the project, only platform operators providing their services to national broadcasters can benefit from the subsidies, which could constitute discrimination against regional and local terrestrial platform operators.
The aid measures were implemented, without prior notification, until 3rd April 2010, when transition to the digital technology was completed. The Commission proceedings stem from complaints lodged by a satellite platform operator and by a terrestrial platform operator. As part of the in-depth investigations, the Commission will assess the complainants' allegations and invite comments from interested parties. (I.L./transl.fl)