Under the multi-year agreement announced by satellite operator SES, SUE CRRT, which is Uzbekistan's sole operator of analogue and terrestrial TV distribution, has contracted satellite capacity to deliver a minimum of 12 free-to-air TV channels in standard definition and four radio channels from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to all DTT head-ends throughout the country.
"The launch of our first digital terrestrial multiplex is a significant step forward for the analog switchover process in Uzbekistan," said Mr. Turgunov M., Technical Director at SUE CRRT. "Our network will cover the entire territory, offering new viewing possibilities to a potential audience of 31.5 million people. As Uzbekistan is one of the largest countries in Central Asia, with desert and mountainous areas, satellite is the only reliable technology that can enable us to reach the entire population as well as neighboring countries, and beyond."
"SUE CRRT already entrusted SES with the carriage of state TV and radio channels for DTH and cable contribution two years ago, and this new contract clearly underscores SES's position as the satellite provider of choice for Central Asia, more particularly the Republic of Uzbekistan," said Norbert Hölzle, Senior Vice President, Commercial Europe at SES Video. "We look forward to supporting the Republic of Uzbekistan in the launch of its DTT multiplex with the help of satellite and in its journey towards digital television."