State subsidies on MHP digital decoders are to continue next year,
the Italian government has announced, but at a reduced level. At the
Sat Expo trade show in Vicenza, Communications Minister Maurizio
Gasparri announced that a subsidy of €120, down from €150, will be
available to all purchasers of MHP set top boxes and integrated
receiver decoders. The reduction is attributed to the falling cost of
decoders.
To qualify for a subsidy, digital
decoders must be fully MHP compliant and include a smartcard reader and
an integrated modem. The new level of subsidy will take effect from the
end of 2004. The overall budget remains unchanged at €100 million per
annum.