Radiation opponents block Swisscom's mobile TV

 Swisscom is not having an easy time with its planned mobile TV: first its partners backed out (see ), now it is facing problems from radiation opponents: The organization IG Gigaherz has lodged objections to the planned transmitters on the Zürichberg and Ulmizberg near Bern. The cantonal authorities have now granted these appeals suspensive effect, as reported by 20 Minuten. This means that the matter will be brought before the Federal Supreme Court, which could drag on. With the support of the population, IG Gigaherz also wants to take action against high-radiation installations in other places. This is a setback for Swisscom, which wanted to launch its mobile TV service by Euro 08. However, it is not discouraged: "Our aim remains to ensure the coverage stipulated in the concession in time for the start of Euro 08," spokeswoman Myriam Ziesack told the commuter newspaper. The service is still planned for the Euro 08 host cities of Berne, Basel, Zurich and Geneva.
Swisscom could try to get the cantons to lift the construction freeze on its transmitters. This would save the mobile TV project at the last minute.