Digital update of Russian satellite TV broadcasting to cost $42m

Space Communications, a 100-percent state-owned company, in cooperationwith the Russian State Television and Radio Company (VGTRK) has developedtechnical solutions aimed at creating a digital package of Russiantelevision programs. As head of the Radio, Television and SatelliteCommunications Department of the Russian Communications Minister VasilyPavlov reported in Dubna at the 3rd annual conference "The Modern Trends ofthe Development of Distribution Networks and Television BroadcastingNetworks in Russia And the Countries of the CIS", the task of transferringanalogue broadcasting to digital standards should be accomplished on astage-by-stage basis within the next three years. The projected costs of the project aimed at updating satellite broadcastingsystem and switching to digital technologies are around $42m. In view ofthis, the Communications Ministry, the Press and Media Ministry, theRussian Television Broadcasting Network and the Foreign Ministry willdiscuss the issue of the government's support of this project with theMinistry of Economic Development and Trade and the Finance Ministry. Theproject is proposed to be included into Russia's investment program for2003-2005..

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