Cablecom demands clear guidelines for analog network from Federal Council

The cable network operator Cablecom wants clear conditions in the analog cable network. It is calling on the Federal Council to determine 25 channels that may not be moved to digital television by the end of 2009, reports the SDA news agency. Six months ago, Cablecom was still in favor of ten channels. The draft of the implementing provisions of the new Radio and Television Ordinance (RTVO) from the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) provides for 20 such so-called must-carry channels. Cablecom hopes that the desired 25 mandatory channels will provide greater clarity for itself and its customers. In addition to the 25 channels, the cable company would leave one info channel and three other channels in the analog network in order to comply with the agreement to keep at least 29 channels receivable until the end of 2009. After that, renegotiations would be necessary. DETEC is currently pleased with the proposal. Cablecom, on the other hand, accuses the federal government of zigzagging.