The roll-out date for DTT in Algeria is 2007. Coverage should reach 70% by 2009 and 95% by 2015.

According to estimates by Daniel Sauvet-Goichon (EBU/TDF), analogue transmitters in Algeria will probably be switched off at the same time as those in Tunisia and Morocco.

Télédiffusion d'Algérie (TDA) has already completed experiments to validate the simulation model and made evaluations on the zone of coverage by the transmitters.

Three channels will introduce DTT in Algeria, according to Mustapha Benabi, the assistant to ENTV's director-general: Canal Algérie, A3 and the national channel.

Thematic channels will be launched in the first quarter of 2007, available both on satellite and DTT. Three projects have been realized: Tamazight, Savoir and Algerian Bizness TV. The first two will be targeted at a Berber population and a young audience, respectively. Bizness TV will be a rolling-news channel, with a predominantly economic and financial angle.

pj / ep