Telecommunications Commission interpellates in Bern regarding digital television

The switchover from analog to digital television is occupying the Telecommunications Committee (KVF) of the Council of States. The Commission has submitted an interpellation in order to advance the debate in the small chamber. As the SDA news agency writes in a statement from the parliamentary services, the KVF held a discussion with Cabelcom management and representatives of the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom). It understands the uncertainty of the population regarding the switch-off of analog television channels, but shares the view that the future lies in digital transmission. The Council of States Committee views with some concern the duopoly situation that is emerging in the digital television market between Cablecom and Swisscom with its Bluewin TV. The issue of the set-top boxes required to receive digital TV programs, which have to be purchased or rented, is also unsatisfactory. Other unresolved issues include the privileged treatment of individual channels by the broadcaster, for example with an attractive position in the menu.
The KVF is therefore asking the Federal Council to keep a close eye on developments in technology and competition and to inform the relevant committees at an early stage of any need for legislation. The interpellation is intended to provide an opportunity to discuss the technically and politically sensitive issues in the Council.