RTÉ to launch free TV satellite service along with digital rollout

RTÉ is to launch a free TV satellite service next year in conjunction with its plans to provide Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) to replace existing analogue services which must be switched off by 2012.

RTÉ confirmed yesterday that it will launch its DTT multiplex a bundle of TV channels to be called Saorview — to the public from early next summer.

Around the same time it is expected that the national broadcaster will launch its Saorsat satellite service which will provide signals for the main domestic TV stations on a free-to-air, unencrypted basis.