HD channels boost DTT
Subscriptions for terrestrially delivered HD channels have exceeded expectations, according to Pay-DTT platform operator Boxer.
12 channels were launched on the 1st November and more growth is expected as new channels are made available and more receiver models are released.
Free to air HD DTT channels are also provided by public service broadcaster SVT.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 3rd May 2011 



Trial 3D/DTT broadcasts from Boxer
Pay-DTT service operator Boxer has announced that it will broadcast two sporting matches in 3D on the DTT platform during April.
A DVB-T2 STB, a subscription to Boxer HD and a suitable display will be needed to view the broadcasts.
The two matches are Premier Division ice hockey, AIK versus Djurgården and El Clasico football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 3DTVprogramming will be provided by Canal+.
Source: Boxer website
Item added: 21st March 2011  



Digital Dividend raises €233 million
Swedish telecommunications regulator PTS has announced that the auction of 800MHz (Digital Dividend) spectrum raised a total of SEK 2.054 billion (EUR 233 million), with three existing operators winning spectrum rights. The licences for a 25 year period went to TeliaSonera, 3 Sweden and Tele2 Sweden.
TeliaSonera said it will use its 2x10MHz blocks of 800MHz spectrum to further expand its 4G network.
3 Sweden also received 2x10MHz blocks as did Tele2 Sweden through the network company Net4Mobility.
Tele2 Sweden will use its frequencies to the roll-out of a 4G network.
Com Hem and Netett Sverige also participated in the auction but did not win any licences.
Source: Telecompaper
Item added: 7th March 2011



New DTT channels added
On the 2nd December Boxer launched, Discovery Networks' TLC and the Cartoon Network on the DTT platform.
TLC will replace Discovery Travel & Living and offer some Swedish content.
Both services use the MPEG-4 AVC compression format.
In addition, TV4 HD, using the DVB-T2 standard is set to launch on the18th December.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 6th December 2010  



DigiTAG update on the DVB-T2 launch in Sweden
The latest DigiTAG Web letter describes the launch of DVB-T2 in Sweden in detail and can be found at the following URL.
http://www.digitag.org/WebLetters/2010/External-Nov2010.html
Item added: 22nd November 2010  



Commercial launch of HDTV using DVB-T2 in Sweden
HDTV services transmitted via DVB-T2 were officially launched on the 1st November 2010. At launch two multiplexes began HD broadcasting to two thirds of TV homes. Coverage will reach 70% of the population by the end of 2010 increasing to 90% over a further 12 month period and 98% by the end of 2012.
Viewers will have access to two free to air services, SVT1 HD and SVT1 HD as well as the Pay TV channels MTVN HD, National Geographic HD, TV4 HD (as of 18 December), Canal+ Sport HD from the Pay-DTT service provider Boxer.
The HD services use both UHF and VHF channels for HD broadcasting.
On UHF channels multiplex 6 is completely HD whilst a combination of spare UHF and VHF channels are used for the second multiplex, designated “multiplex 7”.
8 MHz channels are used on UHF and on VHF the channel bandwidth is 7 MHz due to previous standardisation.
The resulting capacity on multiplex 6, is 36.6 Mbit/s and on multiplex 7, 30.8 Mbits/s.
The parameters used initially in the DVB-T2 networks will be single-PLP, 32K FFT, 256 QAM and a code rate of 2/3 although these parameters may be varied for different SFN sizes.
MPEG-4 HE-AAC audio compression is used for all MPEG-4 services. HD services will typically be accompanied by 5.1 surround sound.
Main source: Boxer website
Item added: 8th November 2010  




Teracom to launch DTT HD network on 1st November
Over half of Swedish households will be able to receive transmissions from the new HD terrestrial network when it goes live on the 1st November. An initial 17 relay stations will carry the HD signals. A further 16 will be brought into service before the end of the year, securing coverage for 70% of households.
Sweden will use the DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 technical combination pioneered in the UK. Two multiplexes will carry HD signals; Multiplex 6 will be solely in the UHF band, while Multiplex 7 will be in either VHF or UHF, depending on frequency availability.
Network operator Teracom is currently engaged in building out the service that will cover the majority of Swedish households by 2012.
The HD offer comprises both free-to-air and pay-TV channels. HD versions of SVT1 and SVT2 will be available without subscription, while pay-TV services from MTV, National Geographic and Canal+ will be available through the Teracom subsidiary Boxer.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 18th October 2010  



SVT plans second HD channel
As of Monday the 20th September Swedish public broadcaster SVT is to rebrand its high definition channel SVT HD as SVT1 HD. This is a prelude to the launch of a second HD channel SVT2 HD which launches in November.
SVT1 HD will be available from the start to viewers of the existing channel that includes distribution via Comhem, Viasat, Canal Digital, Telia, and Tele2. It is planned that SVT1 HD will be made available on the Boxer DTT network from the autumn, as will the new channel SVT2 HD.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 20th September 2010  



Teracom selects equipment for DVB-T2 service
T-VIPS is to provide Teracom with a new DVB-T2 gateway and seamless monitoring switch as the Swedish transmission provider commences a partial upgrade of the DTT network to DVB-T2 and HDTV.
The CP560 DVB-T2 Gateway makes it possible for Teracom to use its existing DVB-T headend for DVB-T2 operation, protecting its original investment, and ensuring no loss of service for Swedish viewers.
The project, which commences in 2010, will deliver HD and other next generation TV services to Swedish homes
In June the RTVV licensed seven HD channels, the first of which are expected to go live in the autumn.
Source: Broadband TV News and digitaltvnews.net
Item added: 31st August 2010  



Solaris wins more EU-licences for DVB-SH service
Solaris Mobile now has licences for their DVB-SH (Satellite to Handheld) service in several countries including France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Finland.
Solaris is a joint venture owned by SES Astra and Eutelsat, set up to deliver mobile TV, satellite digital radio and mobile broadband to much of Europe.
An 18 year licence to operate Mobile Services in France, Sweden and Germany was awarded in May 2010, which, together with those already awarded for Finland, Luxembourg, Italy and Slovenia brings the total to seven.
These licences allow Solaris Mobile’s hybrid network to be deployed within the EU and will pave the way for a range of broadcast and broadband services including TV, radio, voice, data and other broadband services to mobile devices.
Steve Maine, CEO of Solaris is reported as saying that “In the coming months, Solaris Mobile will be engaged in setting up additional demonstration trial platforms for TV broadcasting, radio and data services in certain other markets. These activities will demonstrate the benefits of the solution offered by Solaris which include immediate satellite coverage of the area opening up new opportunities to deliver next generation broadband and broadcast services to mobile devices”.
Source: Rapid TV News 2010
Item added: 21st June 2010  



Seven HD licences for DTT
The Radio och TV Verket (RTVV) has authorised the broadcasting of 7 HD channels on the countries DTT system, according to Broadband TV News. In all 11 new national channels have been licensed as well as one local channel.
The HD licences have gone to; Canal + HD Mix (C More Entertainment AB), Kanal 5 HD (SBS Broadcasting Networks Limited), MTVN HD (MTV Networks Europe), National Geographic Channel HD (NGC Europe Limited), TV3 HD (Viasat Broadcasting UK Limited), TV4 HD (TV4 AB) and Viasat Sport HD (Viasat Broadcasting UK Limited)
The four new standard definition channels are; Canal + Series (C More Entertainment AB), Cartoon Network (Turner Entertainment Network International Limited), Eurosport 2 (Eurosport Société Anonyme) and Viasat Fotboll (Viasat Broadcasting UK Limited).
Local channel 24.UNT (Upsala Nya Tidning) completes the number of new licence holders.
The new licences will run from the 1st July 2010 to the 3rd March 2014 and the first on-air signals are expected in the autumn.
All the channels will broadcast using MPEG-4 and are expected to be a mix of free and pay.
Public broadcaster SVT has also been granted permission to run two additional HD channels.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 21st June 2010  




40 broadcasters apply for new DTT licences
The Swedish Radio and Television Authority (RTVV) has received 40 applications for broadcast capacity on the countries DTT platform following its recent tender.
RTVV had invited candidates to tender for the provision of national, regional and local DTT services.
Twenty of the applicants requested that they could broadcast services in HD.
RTVV plans to allocate licences in June and services are set to launch by the end of the year. The services will use DVB-T2 in combination with MPEG-4 AVC.
Source: Teracom
Item added: 3rd May 2010  



Tender for HD DTT licence issued
The Swedish Radio and Television Authority (RTVV) has launched a tender for new licences for the country’s digital terrestrial platform.
The applications can be for national, regional or local stations, broadcasting in standard or high definition according to RTVV and it estimates that there is enough capacity for two broadcasting networks, most likely transmitting in MPEG-4.
Licences will be awarded at the end of June and will run until March 31, 2014.
It is not known at this stage whether DVB-T2 is to be used for the networks.
Broadband TV News say in their article that the licensing process may be one of the last major acts for the RTVV, which under proposals likely to come into force in August, will merge with the Swedish Broadcasting Commission (Granskningsnämnden).
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 6th April 2010



Regulator launches DVB-T2 consultation
Sweden’s regulatory authority, Radio- och TV-Verket (RTVV), has launched a consultation on the use of DVB-T2 and HDTV over the country’s terrestrial network.
Although the authority is said to be generally favourable towards the introduction of HD services it would like The DVB-T2 standard to be introduced on a gradual basis.
Quoting Magnus Larsson, director-general of RTVV the Broadband TV item goes on to say that the terrestrial network should along with other platforms offer the services demanded by customers. “It’s about giving the terrestrial network to meet consumer demand,” said Magnus Larsson, director-general, RTVV. “Today over a third of Swedish viewers are watching via the terrestrial network. DTT should be given the chance to develop and HDTV is one of the services that is evolving.”
The consultation is open for comment until the 19th February and the results will serve as the core foundation for the licensing of further channels during 2010.
Source: Broadband TV News
Added: 1st February 2010  



Sweden’s 6th Multiplex launched
Five new channels were added to the Boxer DTT network on the 1st December when Swedens new 6th Multiplex came into operation. The channels are Showtime, Star, 7, BBC World, and Disney XD.
The new multiplex covers 60% of Swedish households, mainly in the central part of Sweden and uses MPEG-4, H.264 AVC coding for the first time instead of the current MPEG-2. Gradually the transmission network will be expanded to reach the entire country.
Source: Boxer
Item added: 7th December 2009 



DTT market reviews
The Swedish Radio and Television Authority (RTVV) is exploring the possibility of offering more licences to broadcast over the country’s terrestrial system, reports Broadband TV News.
The Authority has also commissioned two additional reports on market trends.
The first, in co-operation with the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket), is designed to evaluate the present overall TV market and evaluate the Swedish market against international development. Results are expected to be published on the 14th December.
The Authority has also asked transmission company Teracom to offer its views on technological moves including when a permanent HD network might be established. A response is expected by the 8th December.
The two reports will form the basis of RTVV’s strategy and help them decide whether additional DTT licences might be made available during 2010. A draft policy document is expected to be ready by the spring.
40 national and 14 regional channels have been licensed by the RTVV, which has already expressed its desire for the introduction of MPEG-4 services introduced.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 30th November 2009 



Work on 6th DTT multiplex underway
Swedish transmission company Teracom has commenced work on the construction of the country’s sixth digital terrestrial multiplex. The project had to be delayed when investment ceased in October 2008 due to a reported dispute between interested parties.
Multiplex 6 will be the first terrestrial multiplex in Sweden to use MPEG-4 compression.
Channels on the multiplex will include Discovery, Disney XD, National Geographic and BBC World News.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 12th October 2009




Nine Cable operators adopt DVB-C2
Nine of Western Europe’s leading cable operators have chosen to adopt the new DVB-C2 cable delivery standard.
The operators are Kabel Baden Württemberg, Unitymedia, Kabel Deutschland (Germany), Ziggo (the Netherlands), ONO (Spain), Com Hem (Sweden), Numericable (France), YouSee (Denmark) and ZON (Portugal), who in total serve 22 million households.
Virgin Media (UK), Canal Digital (Scandinavia) and UPC (Multiple territories) have not included themselves in the agreement and say that they have no plans to switch from DVB-C2 at present. Virgin Media have been reported as saying that unlike some operators they do not have a capacity problem at the moment and whilst they support DVB-C2, have no need to switch at present
Main source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 18th September 2009



DVB-T2 testing to begin in September
Broadcast Network operator Teracom is to begin testing the DVB-T2 system in September, according to a recent (Teracom) press release.
Initial tests will begin using a channel simulator in a lab environment to gain more knowledge of the expected real world performance. Later this autumn Teracom will conduct field tests in Stockholm from the Nacka TV station as well as from the smaller Marieberg station. Later tests are planned in Upsala using Band III in the VHF band.
During the field tests one of the main aims is to compare coverage between that provided by current DVB-T transmissions and that achieved when using DVB-T2.
The DVB-T2 specification is expected to become an ETSI standard on 17 September 2009.
Main source: Teracom website
Item added: 7th September 2009




NorDig releases DVB-T2 specification
NorDig has published a specification for the minimum requirements for receivers able to receive NorDig compliant signals based on the DVB-T2 specification.
At present the terrestrial broadcast networks in the Nordic region, which includes, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, are all served by DVB-T based broadcasts.
NorDig said that in some of the Nordic countries, introduction of HDTV and MPEG-4 H.264, AVC might be combined with the introduction of transmissions based on DVB-T2.
A migration from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is being planned in countries such as the UK and in other countries just starting DTT networks.
Analogue broadcasts have already been shut off in most of the region (all of Finland and Sweden, as well as most of Norway).
Source: www.nordig.org
Item added: 20th July 2009



Over 500 channels available on DTT platforms in Europe
Recent data from the MAVISE TV database, developed for the DG Communication of the European Commission by the European Audiovisual Observatory, shows the continued expansion of television channels in the European (EU 27 + Croatia and Turkey) television market. More than 200 new TV channels were launched in 2008. There are now a total of 5587 channels (plus 412 non-European channels) available in the 29 countries.
Digital terrestrial television (DTT) has experienced significant developments in the last year.
Six of the 29 countries included in the MAVISE database have already ceased analogue terrestrial transmission.
France, Italy, Spain and the UK (four markets with large use of terrestrial television) have reached very high levels of DTT penetration in households and two of these have started regional switch-off of the analogue signals
The market will see more rapid development this year with the expected launch of new services in Slovenia, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, Greece, and Slovakia. Full article at: EAO press release
Item added: 7th April 2009



Teracom takes full control of Boxer
Network operator Teracom recently announced that it had purchased the remaining 30% stake in pay-DTT service operator Boxer, previously held by private equity firm 3i.
Teracom already hold 70% of Boxer shares and this latest acquisition enables them to take full control.
3i previously purchased its 30% stake in Boxer during 2005 from the investment firm Skandia.
Boxer reports that it currently has 700,000 subscribers compared with 380,000 subscribers in 2004 and pre-tax profit grew from SEK8 million (€780K) in 2004 to SEK376 million (€37 million) in 2007.
Boxer has been awarded licences to operate DTT services in Ireland and Denmark.
Sources: Teracom press release and Digitag
Item added: 24th November 2008


Update on Sweden
Allocation of the digital dividend has been completed in Sweden.
Six multiplexes will be available in the UHF bands IV and V and one in the VHF band.
The frequencies above 790MHz in Band V are expected to be auctioned and allocated for other services.
The frequency allocations are valid until 2014.
This information comes from a more comprehensive country update from Digitag. The full item can be found by clicking on the source link at the end of this item.
Source: Digitag Webletter July 2008
Item added: 28th July 2008
 

EC withdraws case
The European Commission has withdrawn its case against Sweden at the European Court of Justice in response to Sweden’s amendment of the broadcast regulations.
Previously, Sweden only allowed a single operator to handle all encryption services on the DTT platform. Now under the amended regulation, new operators will be able to offer encrypted DTT services making it possible for them to launch pay-DTT services.
Source: EC press release
Item added: 10th June 2008



New DTT service on Boxer
Swedish sports channel TV4 Sport has launched on the country’s Boxer DTT platform. The new channel is included in Multiplex 5, which has a 70% coverage. The channel is free until September 30th but it is unclear what will happen after that. The channel was one of a number which were awarded licences by national regulator RTVV (Radio och TV-Verket) on April 1st.
Main source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 20th May 2008




MTG wins two additional DTT licences
Sweden’s Radio & TV Authority (Radio-och TV Verket) has awarded Viasat Broadcasting two new terrestrial broadcasting licences, in addition to the four it already holds, according to a report from Rapid TV News.
Viasat is a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Times Group.
MTG said: “The new licenses enable Viasat to make its premium pay-TV channels available in the Swedish DTT network for the first time. Viasat Sport 1 and TV1000 will be broadcast in MPEG4 format on a new multiplex to be built during 2008.”
Source: Rapid TV News
Item added: 1st April 2008

 

Boxer switching to MPEG-4 receivers
Broadband TV News reports that Swedish DTT operator Boxer is to begin the deployment of MPEG-4 receivers to new subscribers. Over the next six years Sweden will gradually migrate from MPEG-2 visual coding to using MPEG-4, H.264.
The Swedish Radio and TV Authority (RTVV) recently announced eight new national channels that will broadcast in the MPEG-4 format.
From April 1 Boxer, which is also responsible for approving devices to use on the network, will no longer accept MPEG-2 receivers for test and approval.
Set Top Boxes must be backward compatible so that they can decode both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 coded transmissions.
Main source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 1st April 2008
 

Boxer DTT figures up
By 31st December 2007 Boxer had 709,000 digital pay TV subscribers, representing an increase of 55,000 in 2007 – equivalent to growth of nearly nine per cent.
During the fourth quarter of 2007 the number of customers increased by 16,000.
Source: Boxer
Item added: 22nd January 2008



TV spectrum allocated to Telcos’
The Swedish government has allocated two of the seven original DTT multiplexes to telecommunications companies according to a report in Broadband TV News.
The spectrum at the top of Band V, 790-862 MHz, is to be released for use by mobile telephony and wireless broadband services and is said to amount to 18% of the available digital capacity.
This leaves five multiplexes for DTT although a spokesman from the Swedish Ministry of Culture is reported as saying that new capacity has been found for a sixth DTT multiplex.
The new multiplex is still to be allocated but it is expected that it will be awarded to the user who can demonstrate the “best” use of the spectrum.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 27th December 2007



Digital Dividend may not go to Broadcasters
Broadband TV reports that problems are arising over the sustainability of previous assurances on the allocation of the digital dividend to broadcasters in Sweden.
Previously the Swedish government indicated to broadcasters that the released spectrum available from digital switchover would go to broadcast television services. Now Telcos are highlighting the expected summer surge in demand for 3G mobile broadband and suggesting that the released digital spectrum could be better used to extend mobile broadband in rural areas than for television services.
Broadcasters are currently lobbying the communications minister Åsa Torstensson to stick to the original plan. He said at a recent conference that the crunch question was how much capacity should go to TV and how much should be set aside for mobile broadband. He felt that providing both would be possible.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 14th November 2007


Sweden completes analogue switch-off
Sweden has completed the switch-off of its analogue terrestrial television platform ahead of the planned date of February 2008.
The last cities to switch-off analogue services included Malmö, Helsingborg, Hörby, Karlshamn and Karlskrona, in the Skåne  region of Sweden, along the southern tip of the country.
The task was completed when the transmissions from SVT’s two public channels and the commercial broadcaster TV4 were finally switched off at 16.00 on the 15th October 2007.
This completes a switch off programme, which began with Gotland in September 2005.
Sweden is the fourth European country to complete analogue switch-off, after Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Finland.
Source: Teracom
Item added: 16th October 2007

Boxer subscribers increase
By the end of September 2007, Pay TV service provider, Boxer had 693,000 digital-TV subscribers, representing an increase of 39,000 during 2007 and an increase of 15,000 during the third quarter. Since last September the number of customers has increased by 77,000 a growth of 12.5%.
"The pace of growth in new subscriptions is slowly decreasing as Swedish households go digital. To improve the digital offering we're working harder on new services such as the Boxer Twin Card and an expanded electronic programme guide, Boxer Navigator," says Per Norman, Boxer's CEO.
Sweden plans to complete its analogue switch-off programme in November 2007.
Source: Boxer press release
Item added: 9th October 2007
 

Swedish government backs down on DTT break-up
The government has decided to allow programme companies to organise their own Pay-TV packages on the DTT system.
Last June, the government proposed new regulations for the DTT platform following concerns raised by the European Commission that Boxer was the sole provider of pay-DTT services in Sweden. This could have meant the end of Boxer’s hold on Pay-TV subscriptions on the Pay TV platform
According to Per Norman, CEO of Boxer: "The digital terrestrial network must contribute to the broadest possible freedom of speech and information. From this it follows that the task of regulation must go to the programme companies."
Boxer added a further 15,000 subscribers in the third quarter bringing its total subscriber base to 693,000
Story: Digitag   
Main source: Boxer press release
Item added: 9th October 2007


DTT restructuring in Sweden
The Swedish government is referring the structure of Sweden’s digital terrestrial network to the council on legislation according to an article on the broadbandtvnews website.
The report says that the DTT platform is likely to be opened up to other providers who want to offer pay services following concerns raised by the European commission.
Boxer has been the sole provider of pay DTT services on the platform for the last eight years and currently has around 700,000 subscribers.
The probable outcome is that Boxer will maintain its hold on the marketing of the DTT packages to the public but other providers will also be able to sell their channels direct to the public.
Source: broadbandtvnews
Item added: 21st June 2007


Tele2 selects Anevia to convert DVB-T to IP
Anevia, French designers of the Flamingo DVB-IP Gateways and Digital Access, the Swedish-based broadband equipment provider have been selected by Swedish operator Tele2 to provide DVB-T content over IP. Each of the 20 Flamingos will ingest national DVB-T channels and two regional channels into Tele2’s IP network. The equipments will be set up in 20 Swedish cities to provide access to DVB-T platform content on local IP networks
Source: TotalTelecom
Item added: 12th June 2007


Sweden begins HDTV services on DTT
Viewers in the Mälardalen area of Sweden were the first to be able to view HDTV on the DTT platform when the first service began transmitting on Saturday 26th May. Services will soon be extended to cover Stockholm, Västerås, Uppsala and Södertälje bringing the total potential TV viewer households to 1 million, 27% of the Swedish total. Teracom who provide the transmission facilities would like to extend HDTV to the whole of Sweden when DTT capacity becomes available.
The transmissions are broadcast unscrambled in 720p format coded in MPEG-4 with material supplied by SVT (Sveriges Television)
SVT started its HD broadcasts with ‘Expedition Linne’ and will follow up with HD programmes, including the nature series Planet Earth, which will be continuing until the summer. Other current Swedish HD programmes on SVT are the community-singing event Allsång på Skansen, starting in June, and the World Athletics Championship from Osaka in August.
Main source: Teracom press release
Item added: 31st May 2007

Boxer increases subscriber base
Boxer reports 18,000 new households in the first quarter of 2007. This brings the total DTT subscriber base to 672,000 households an increase of 18% since the 31st March 2006.
A spokesman announcing the figures pointed out that many households have already switched to DTT and this is likely to lead to a slow down in the number of new subscribers in the future.
Source: Boxer press release
Item added: 19th April 2007


Positive Stockholm DVB-H trial results
The recent DVB-H trial in Stockholm had a positive reception from its 400 participants. 87% said that the service left a positive impression, with over 80% saying that they were willing to pay between 10 (€1.1) and 50 (€5.35) Swedish kronor a month to view.
Lack of available spectrum was raised as a potential problem for the DVB-H service now that HDTV services are also expected to be available on the terrestrial platform.
Source: Dow Jones Newswire
Item added: 2nd April 2007


Stockholm goes digital
Stockholm became the latest city to go digital on March 12th when the analogue TV transmitter at Nacka was switched of.
Later that day a signal resumed on the old channel but this time it was digital, carrying SVT2 and TV4.
SVT1 will continue to be broadcast in analogue for a further two weeks before being changed over to a digital signal.
The analogue switch off process in Sweden is planned for completion by February 1st, 2008.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 21st March 2007
 

Digital switchover in Sweden
Sweden is nearly half way through its main transmitter switch off programme. Already, 23 out of a total of 54 transmitters have stopped their analogue television broadcasts and complete analogue switch off is expected by November 2007. Network operator Teracom has already conducted trials for high-definition television (HDTV) and mobile television using the DVB-H standard; two services which may be made available to viewers in the next two years when spectrum is released by the analogue switch off.
Digital switchover status
5 multiplexes on air offering viewers 10 free-to-air and 27 pay-DTT services in addition to regional programming.
DTT coverage now 98% of the population with coverage increasing to 99.8% by early 2008 (for public service broadcasts).
 

Analogue switch-off has been taking place on a region-by-region basis since September 2005.
Stage 1: September - December 2005: Gotland, Gävle and Motala/Linköping
Stage 2: February - May 2006: Kisa, Norrköping, Uppsala, Västerås, Östhammar, Bolinäs, Borlänge, Hudiksvall, Mora
Stage 3: November 2006: Boräs, Emmaboda, Finnveden, Halmstad, Jönköping, Nässjö, Skövde, Varberg, Vislanda, Västervik
Stage 4: March - May 2007: Stockholm, Sollefteå, Sundsvall, Sveg, Tåsjö, Ånge, Örnsköldsvik, Östersund, Arvidsjaur, Gällivare, Kalix, Kiruna, Pajala, Älvsbyn, Överkalix Stage 5: September - October 2007: Filipstad, Karlstad, Lycksele, Skellefteå, Storuman, Sunne, Vännäs, Bäckefors, Göteborg, Trollhättan, Uddevalla, Helsingborg, Hörby, Karlshamn, Karlskrona, Malmö
The first three stages of the process have been completed. Switch-off in the three largest Swedish cities, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, is expected later this year.
Source: DigiTAG Webletter
Item added: 16th January 2007

Boxer tests Neotion's MPEG-4 Module
Boxer has begun testing a new HD-module, designed to allow existing Digital TV receivers to receive and decode terrestrial HDTV broadcasts. The module is made by Neotion, a French developer of digital television equipment. With the module, inserted in the Common Interface slot, viewers can access MPEG-4 AVC content.
The module is expected to be made commercially available during the second quarter of 2007.
Source: Neotion press release
Item added: 16th January 2007

More than 650,000 DTT subscribers for Boxer
The Pay DTT service provider Boxer, has announced that it had 654,000 subscribers by the end of 2006. The latest figures show an increase of 23% or 123,000 subscribers during the year.
Previous estimates suggested that the DTT market in Sweden now stands at more than 1 million households, of which 300,000 rely on the free-to-air platform.
Analogue switch off is set to take place in Stockholm on 12 March, followed by Norrland, Värmland and the west coast. The process is expected to be completed by November 2007.
Source: Boxer
Item added: 9th January 2007

DVB-H trial update
Fifty families are participating in the DVB-H trial currently taking place in Stockholms, Hammarby Sjostad “Green Zone”.
”Swedes watch on average two and a half hours of TV per day. We are convinced that Mobile TV will also be a natural ingredient in media consumption in the near future. It is estimated that one out of ten mobile phones will have this technology in three to four years,” Indra Asander, head of Consumer Segment at TeliaSonera Severige is quoted as saying.
The current service, which will conclude in November, offers 14 channels including, SVT1, SVT2, TV4, Kanal 5, Canal+Sport, Discovery, Disney channel and Aftonbladet TV.
Source: Eurocomms
Item added: 17th October 2006

DTT sales up in Sweden
According to Boxer CEO Crister Fritzson, an additional 22000 subscribers joined its DTT service in the third quarter of 2006. At the end of September subscriber numbers totalled 616,000
Sweden is continuing its analogue switch off process with the areas of Oland and Boras in November.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 10th October 2006

DVB-H at European Athletics Championship
During the European Athletics Championships in Sweden, 40 multimedia mobile phones will be used in the DVB-H trial. Residents of Gothenburg and visitors to the city can also test the technology themselves in Bältesspännarparken at Avenyn. Five television channels will be initially shown during the test broadcasts - SVT1, SVT2, TV4, Kanal 5 and Eurosport - and all will feature digital broadcasts of track and field events from the European Athletics Championships.
"This is a good opportunity for us to start the DVB-H tests on mobiles during a period when people in Sweden will be most interested in live broadcasts from the Championships", says Anders Bruse, Head of Products and Services at TeliaSonera Sweden."Television broadcasts on mobile phones are an important initiative to expand our range of services through our Telia SurfPort mobile portal."
During September, a pilot test will be launched in the Hammarby Sjöstad suburb of Stockholm, where 50 families will be able to watch television on DVB-H enabled multimedia mobile phones. Approximately ten channels will be launched with programming to suit the entire family.
Telia will evaluate the DVB-H technology after the Hammarby Sjöstad pilot trials in Stockholm. A close dialogue will be maintained with the test families to map the needs and requests of family members.
The tests are being conducted in co-operation with Nokia, which is supplying the DVB-H system and its N92 multimedia mobile phone.
Source: Telia press release 
Item added: 13th August 2006

 

New DVB-H trial in Sweden
Communication service provider TeliaSonera will broadcast television programmes to mobile phones on the DTT network throughout this summer using DVB-H technology. The tests will be conducted in the cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm staring at the beginning of August. The test system will be hosted and managed by Nokia and use N92 (DVB-H capable) Nokia multi-media mobile phones.
Telia has been granted a three-month test licence to broadcast DVB-H signals during the trial.
Sources: Nokia and Telia
Item added: 20th June 2006

Boxer increases subscriber base
Sweden's pay DTT platform Boxer has reported an increased subscriber base in the first quarter of 2006. At March 31st it had 569,000 subscribers, an increase of 38,000 for the quarter. Boxer says that the repackaging of its content in 2004 and the ramp up to digital switchover is resulting in an average increase of 35,000 subscribers per quarter.

Northern Smaland, Gästrikland and Gotland are now completely digital. Further areas set to end analogue television include Dalarna and Hälsingland in May.
Source: Boxer and Broadband TV News (April 1st)
Item added: 18th April 2006

Sixth Multiplex to be launched
RTVV, the Swedish broadcasting authority has allocated 7 service licences to be available on the 6th multiplex. The multiplex will include both free-toair and pay DTT services. Boxer announced that the services will be available on the 31st May.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 6th March 2006

DTT subscribers grow by 42%
Boxer, the DTV service provider in Sweden, has announced that it increased its subscriber base by 42%, with 156,000 new users added, up to December 31st. This brings the total number of DTT subscribers to 531,000.
Analogue switch-off started in September 2005 and is planned to be completed by autumn 2007.
Source: Boxer press release translated by Digitag
Item added: 17th January 2006

 

HDTV on Terrestrial Network and DVB-H demo soon
As a world first, Teracom made a public demonstration of HDTV on the DTT platform using the MPEG-4 AVC video compression standard. Other partners in the demonstration included the manufacturers Sagem and Thomson.

According to Bengt Broman, Managing Director of Teracom "Now that we have shown that the service works, we can start offering Swedish households HDTV transmissions via the normal digital TV network. We believe that the programme companies are interested in transmitting special events via HDTV, e.g. the football World Cup. We have now shown that this does not present any technical problems."

According to the Managing Director of the pay DTT operator Boxer TV Access, Crister Fritzson, "We see the possibility of introducing HDTV on special channels for special events and films for households ready to invest in advanced equipment and special subscriptions, but at the same time we will be continuing to develop our usual offering."
Teracom also showcased DVB-H for the first time in Sweden. A number of television programmes were transmitted via the DTT network to a Nokia multimedia terminal.
At the beginning of next year, Teracom will begin a full-scale DVB-H pilot project in Sweden.
Source: Digitag
Item added: 17th November 2005


DTT viewers increase
Boxer has added 33,000 subscribers in the third quarter of 2005. At the end of September the total number of DTT subscribers was 483,000.
Source: Boxer
Item added: 8th November 2005

First Analogue TV Transmitters Turned Off
Sweden began its transition to digital television Monday as the first analogue transmitters have been turned off, on the island of Gotland.

Of the digital viewers, 35% use the DTT services provided by Boxer. With analogue switch-off set to commence in September, 85% of those interviewed were aware of digital switch-over
Immediate Source: Digitag 
Original Source: Boxer
Item added: 20th August 2005

Analogue switch off plans finalised
The dates for analogue switch-off in three Swedish regions have been confirmed. On 19 September, the region of Gotland with shut down its analogue transmissions for SVT1, SVT2 and TV4. The region of Gävle will shut off its analogue transmission of SVT2 and TV4 on 10 October while the analogue transmission of SVT1 will end on 24 October. Finally, the region of Motala/Linköping will end its analogue transmission of SVT1 and SVT2 on 21 November and the analogue transmission of TV4 will be shut off on 5 December.

These analogue switch-off plans are in accordance with the national analogue switch-off set to take place on 1st February 2008**(this date has been corrected in line with the Swedish governments published date, click here for more) . Starting on 8 April, an information campaign will begin. Households will receive a 12 page brochure on DTT.
Source: NyTeknik and Digitag
Note item updated: 8th August 2005

 

MHP-based Community project
In Gävle, which is one of the three areas scheduled for analogue switch off this fall an interesting development is taking place. This is an MHP-based community information service for the DVB-T network. The trial project will start later this year and will have around 500 users. DVB-RCT will also be tested later and involve local government and other local interests. If successful it will probably be copied by other regions in Sweden.
Source: Swedish Radio and TV Authority

2004 figures from Boxer
Boxer, the Swedish DTT provider, ended the year 2004 with a total of 375,000 subscribers. With 175,000 new subscribers in 2004, Boxer increased its total number of subscribers by 88%. 55,000 subscribers joined Boxer in the final quarter of 2004.

DTT growth is expected to continue in 2005 as Sweden begins to prepare for analogue switch-off. Three regions, Gävle, Motala/Linköping and Gotland, have been selected to begin analogue switch-off in the second half of 2005.

Source: Digitag 20/1/05 attributed to Boxer press release
 

The information provided comes from several sources and whilst DVB believe it to be correct we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

If you have more up to date information or corrections please send them to  dvb@dvb.org

Last page update: 3rd May 2011, Barry Tew