Digital terrestrial television in Portugal explained

Digital terrestrial television in Portugal (pt|Televisão Digital Terrestre, or TDT) launched on 29 April 2009 with (as of December 2016) 7 free-to-air (FTA) channels. In the Azores and Madeira Islands, regional channels (RTP Açores or RTP Madeira) are available.[1] [2] By June 2010 TDT coverage reached 83% of the population and was expected to reach 100% by the end of 2010. The analog to digial conversion finished on 26 April 2012.[3] The four existing analog FTA channels simulcasted in DVB-T, MPEG-4/H.264 (digital),[4] and PAL (analog).

History

The Portuguese government first began considering digital terrestrial television in 1998, at a time when the first services in Europe were being tested. The tentative launch of the platform was set to be in 2000; the first phase was supposed to end in 2002.[5]

On April 2, 2001, Ferro Rodrigues announced the first tender for a digital terrestrial television network in Portugal, with a second tender to grant the channels in the second half of the year. The goal was to start in the second half of 2002, achieving 90% reach, and shutting down the analog signals in 2007.[6] On August 20, the PTDP consortium won the license.[7]

PTDP's service was scheduled to start on August 31, 2002, but due to recommendations from ANACOM, it was suggested that the launch was to be delayed to 2003.[8] After the delay, ANACOM suggested the dismantling of the PTDP consortium.[9]

In April 2008, there were two companies bidding for the exploitation of subscription channels on digital terrestrial, PT using MEO and the Swedish company AirPlus TV. Following the commercial launch of MEO's IPTV service, there were plans for a MEO DT service, which was set to be the cheapest subscription television offer in the market.[10]

The TDT process was broken into two licenses: one for management of the FTA network and frequencies, and one for the management and distribution of pay TV channels and content. Both licenses were won by Portugal Telecom (PT). PT also acquired the transmitter network of Televisão Independente (TVI), thus becoming the sole broadcaster of analog television signals.[11] ANACOM's objective was to have 5 TDT FTA channels (including a new 5th FTA channel) and a paid TV offer of around 40 channels. The plan for a paid TV offer was abandoned when PT announced that they were returning the paid TV license to ANACOM, which returned the  million paid by PT.[12]

The creation of the 5th TV channel was criticized by private broadcasters, TVI and Sociedade Independente de Comunicação (SIC). They argued that the television advertising market was saturated and a new broadcaster would damage existing channels.[13]

ARTV started test broadcasts on December 27, 2012 and regular broadcasts on January 3, 2013. The channel became the first terrestrial channel to launch in nearly twenty years.[14]

In 2023, Media Capital CEO Pedro Morais Leitão said that the company was considering pulling out of DTT broadcasting.[15] In November 2023, ANACOM extended the DTT license by 7 years upon MEO request. This license is valid until 10 December 2030.[16]

Transmitters

There are in total 262 DTT transmitters available in Portugal.[17]

DTT transmittersChannelFrequencies
Abrantes35582-590 MHz
Águeda44654-662 MHz
Águeda Industrial44654-662 MHz
Albufeira43646-654 MHz
Alcácer do Sal37598-606 MHz
Alcobaça35582-590 MHz
Alcoutim47678-686 MHz
Aldeia de Juso35582-590 MHz
Alenquer35582-590 MHz
Algueirão35582-590 MHz
Almada37598-606 MHz
Almodôvar43646-654 MHz
Alter do Chão43646-654 MHz
Alto de São Bento, Évora30542-550 MHz
Alto do Galeão33566-574 MHz
Alvaiázere44654-662 MHz
Alverca35582-590 MHz
Alvite, Moimenta da Beira42638-646 MHz
Alvôco das Várzeas44654-662 MHz
Amarante36590-598 MHz
Arcos de Valdevez33566-574 MHz
Arganil44654-662 MHz
Arouca36590-598 MHz
Arronches43646-654 MHz
Arruda dos Vinhos35582-590 MHz
Aveiro Centro36590-598 MHz
Avessadas36590-598 MHz
Avis43646-654 MHz
Azoia - Sintra35582-590 MHz
Baião36590-598 MHz
Barcarena35582-590 MHz
Barrancos30542-550 MHz
Barroca Grande44654-662 MHz
Barrosa48686-694 MHz
Batalha35582-590 MHz
Beja30542-550 MHz
Benfica, Lisboa35582-590 MHz
Bezerra35582-590 MHz
Boa Viagem46670-678 MHz
Boa Viagem 244654-662 MHz
Bonfim36590-598 MHz
Borba30542-550 MHz
Bornes46670-678 MHz
Braga - Santa Marta33566-574 MHz
Braga Centro33566-574 MHz
Bragança46670-678 MHz
Bragança - São Bartolomeu46670-678 MHz
Bufão43646-654 MHz
Cabaços, Moimenta da Beira48686-694 MHz
Cacém35582-590 MHz
Caldas da Rainha35582-590 MHz
Caldas de Vizela36590-598 MHz
Camarinhas47678-686 MHz
Campo Maior43646-654 MHz
Candeeiros35582-590 MHz
Caparica37598-606 MHz
Caramulo44654-662 MHz
Carpinteira - Covilhã34574-582 MHz
Cascais35582-590 MHz
Castanheira de Pêra44654-662 MHz
Castelete - Pico46670-678 MHz
Castelo de Paiva42638-646 MHz
Castelo de Vide43646-654 MHz
Castro Verde43646-654 MHz
Ceira44654-662 MHz
Celorico de Basto36590-598 MHz
Cerdeira33566-574 MHz
Cerro da Águia43646-654 MHz
Cheleiros35582-590 MHz
Coimbra Centro44654-662 MHz
Coimbra Observatório44654-662 MHz
Coruche35582-590 MHz
Couço35582-590 MHz
Covas33566-574 MHz
Cruz de Pau37598-606 MHz
Elvas43646-654 MHz
Encumeada47678-686 MHz
Espalamaca - Faial47678-686 MHz
Espinhal44654-662 MHz
Estoril35582-590 MHz
Estremoz43646-654 MHz
Estremoz - Quinta da Esperança43646-654 MHz
Évora - Entrevinhas30542-550 MHz
Évora Centro30542-550 MHz
Faro47678-686 MHz
Fátima35582-590 MHz
Ferreira do Alentejo30542-550 MHz
Fóia 143646-654 MHz
Fóia 228526-534 MHz
Fornos de Algodres41630-638 MHz
Foz36590-598 MHz
Funchal, Madeira47678-686 MHz
Gaia36590-598 MHz
Gaia Centro36590-598 MHz
Gardunha34574-582 MHz
Gavião43646-654 MHz
Gerês33566-574 MHz
Graça35582-590 MHz
Grândola37598-606 MHz
Guarda41630-638 MHz
Guimarães Centro33566-574 MHz
Guimarães Penha33566-574 MHz
Janas35582-590 MHz
Junqueira36590-598 MHz
Lagos Centro43646-654 MHz
Lagos Norte43646-654 MHz
Lamego36590-598 MHz
Leça36590-598 MHz
Leiranco33566-574 MHz
Leiria44654-662 MHz
Lisboa - Castelo35582-590 MHz
Lisboa - Estrela35582-590 MHz
Lisboa - Restelo35582-590 MHz
Lisboa - Trindade35582-590 MHz
Lisboa - Xabregas35582-590 MHz
Logo de Deus - Coimbra44654-662 MHz
Loulé47678-686 MHz
Lourosa36590-598 MHz
Lousã46670-678 MHz
Lousa - Torre de Moncorvo46670-678 MHz
Mação43646-654 MHz
Machialinho44654-662 MHz
Malveira35582-590 MHz
Mangualde36590-598 MHz
Manteigas41630-638 MHz
Marofa48686-694 MHz
Marvão43646-654 MHz
Mealhada44654-662 MHz
Melides37598-606 MHz
Mendro40622-630 MHz
Mértola47678-686 MHz
Mira de Aire35582-590 MHz
Mirandela46670-678 MHz
Mogadouro46670-678 MHz
Moledo33566-574 MHz
Monchique43646-654 MHz
Monsanto, Lisboa35582-590 MHz
Montalegre33566-574 MHz
Monte da Virgem, Porto42638-646 MHz
Monte do Facho44654-662 MHz
Monte Franqueira, Barcelos36590-598 MHz
Monte Gois33566-574 MHz
Montedor33566-574 MHz
Montejunto48686-694 MHz
Montemor-o-Novo30542-550 MHz
Mora30542-550 MHz
Mortágua44654-662 MHz
Mosteiro41630-638 MHz
Moura30542-550 MHz
Nazaré Centro35582-590 MHz
Nisa43646-654 MHz
Óbidos35582-590 MHz
Odemira43646-654 MHz
Odivelas35582-590 MHz
Odivelas Centro35582-590 MHz
Oleiros34574-582 MHz
Olivais35582-590 MHz
Ourém35582-590 MHz
Ourique43646-654 MHz
Padrela46670-678 MHz
Palmeira de Faro36590-598 MHz
Palmela45662-670 MHz
Palmela37598-606 MHz
Pampilhosa da Serra44654-662 MHz
Paredes de Coura33566-574 MHz
Pedra do Vento41630-638 MHz
Pedra Mole47678-686 MHz
Penacova44654-662 MHz
Penafiel36590-598 MHz
Penamacor34574-582 MHz
Penedo da Saudade, Coimbra44654-662 MHz
Penedo Gordo43646-654 MHz
Peniche35582-590 MHz
Penouta33566-574 MHz
Pico Alto, Açores46670-678 MHz
Pico Arco da Calheta - Madeira47678-686 MHz
Pico Arco de São Jorge - Madeira47678-686 MHz
Pico Bartolomeu44654-662 MHz
Pico da Cruz - Madeira47678-686 MHz
Pico do Facho - Madeira47678-686 MHz
Pico do Galo, Madeira47678-686 MHz
Pico do Silva (Madeira)47678-686 MHz
Pico Geraldo, Pico48686-694 MHz
Pico Jardim - Açores46670-678 MHz
Pico Verde48686-694 MHz
Picota47678-686 MHz
Piódão44654-662 MHz
Pirocão46670-678 MHz
Podame33566-574 MHz
Pombal44654-662 MHz
Ponta Delgada, Madeira47678-686 MHz
Ponte de Lima33566-574 MHz
Portalegre43646-654 MHz
Porto - Av. Brasil36590-598 MHz
Porto - Fernão Lopes36590-598 MHz
Porto - Pedro Escobar36590-598 MHz
Porto de Mós35582-590 MHz
Porto Santo (Madeira)46670-678 MHz
Póvoa de Lanhoso33566-574 MHz
Póvoa Santo Adrião35582-590 MHz
Redondo30542-550 MHz
Reguengos de Monsaraz30542-550 MHz
Reitoria - Covilhã34574-582 MHz
Resende36590-598 MHz
Ribeira de Pena33566-574 MHz
Ribeira Grande44654-662 MHz
Rio Arda36590-598 MHz
Rio Maior35582-590 MHz
Santa Bárbara (Açores)45662-670 MHz
Santa Luzia47678-686 MHz
Santa Marta de Penaguião36590-598 MHz
Santarém35582-590 MHz
Santiago do Cacém37598-606 MHz
Santo Tirso36590-598 MHz
São Bernardo36590-598 MHz
São Domingos36590-598 MHz
São João de Ver, Santa Maria da Feira42638-646 MHz
São Mamede47678-686 MHz
São Miguel, Faro47678-686 MHz
Sapiãos, Boticas33566-574 MHz
Sátão36590-598 MHz
Seixo Alvo36590-598 MHz
Serpa30542-550 MHz
Serra do Alvão36590-598 MHz
Serra do Cume46670-678 MHz
Sertã44654-662 MHz
Sesimbra37598-606 MHz
Silves43646-654 MHz
Silves Centro43646-654 MHz
Sines43646-654 MHz
Sintra35582-590 MHz
Sítio da Nazaré35582-590 MHz
Sousel43646-654 MHz
Surrinha41630-638 MHz
Tavira47678-686 MHz
Termas Monfortinho34574-582 MHz
Terras de Bouro33566-574 MHz
Tocha44654-662 MHz
Tomar35582-590 MHz
Torres Vedras35582-590 MHz
Trancão - Torres Novas35582-590 MHz
Trancoso41630-638 MHz
Vale de Cambra36590-598 MHz
Vale de Mira46670-678 MHz
Valença33566-574 MHz
Valongo36590-598 MHz
Velas44654-662 MHz
Viana do Castelo33566-574 MHz
Vieira do Minho33566-574 MHz
Vila da Ponte, Sernancelhe48686-694 MHz
Vila de Rei44654-662 MHz
Vila Franca de Xira35582-590 MHz
Vila Franca de Xira - Montegordo35582-590 MHz
Vila Nova de São Bento30542-550 MHz
Vila Praia de Âncora33566-574 MHz
Vila Viçosa30542-550 MHz
Vilar Formoso41630-638 MHz
Vinhais46670-678 MHz
Viseu Centro36590-598 MHz
Viseu Sul36590-598 MHz
Volta da Pedra, Palmela37598-606 MHz
Vouzela36590-598 MHz

Channels

LCNChannelResolutionOwner
1 SD (720x576i) RTP
2 SD (720x576i) RTP
3 SD (720x576i) Impresa
4 SD (720x576i) Media Capital
5 SD (720x576i) Assembly of the Republic
6 SD (720x576i) RTP
7 SD (720x576i) RTP

Notes and References

  1. "A TDT, em Portugal, disponibiliza de forma gratuita os canais generalistas nacionais RTP 1, RTP 2, SIC, TVI, RTP Açores e RTP Madeira (nas respectivas Regiões Autónomas). Um dos canais poderá ser emitido simultaneamente em Alta Definição", http://tdt.telecom.pt/o_que_e/Default.aspx?code=XzX622
  2. Web site: TeK Sapo. Canal Parlamento estreia hoje em sinal aberto. pt. 2018-07-28. 2013-01-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20130106184135/http://tek.sapo.pt/noticias/telecomunicacoes/canal_parlamento_estreia_hoje_em_sinal_aberto_1291399.html. dead.
  3. Web site: ANACOM . 2012-03-08 . DTT switch-off . 2023-08-02 . anacom.pt . en.
  4. Web site: ANACOM. FAQ: Do I need to change my television set to receive DTT?.
  5. https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=342919 Introdução em Portugal da Televisão Digital Terrestre (DVB-T)
  6. https://web.archive.org/web/20010413103830/http://tek.sapo.pt/4510/253173.html Ferro Rodrigues marca data de início de concurso para DVB-T
  7. https://web.archive.org/web/20010823113818/http://tek.sapo.pt/4500/277692.html Consórcio PTDP ganha licença de Televisão Digital Terrestre
  8. https://web.archive.org/web/20081025204817/http://tek.sapo.pt/noticias/telecomunicacoes/ministro_da_economia_aprova_adiamento_da_tele_881171.html Ministro da Economia aprova adiamento da Televisão Digital Terrestre para Fevereiro de 2003
  9. https://web.archive.org/web/20081025204845/http://tek.sapo.pt/noticias/telecomunicacoes/anacom_propoe_revogacao_da_licenca_de_televis_881329.html Anacom propõe revogação da licença de Televisão Digital Terrestre da PTDP
  10. News: Brito . Ana . PT e suecos da AirPlus TV disputam canais pagos da televisão digital terrestre . . April 25, 2008 . pt-pt.
  11. Web site: . PT concorre sozinha à TDT e compra rede analógica à dona da TVI . https://web.archive.org/web/20100601011536/http://jn.sapo.pt/paginainicial/interior.aspx?content_id=935074 . dead . 2010-06-01 . pt .
  12. Web site: TeK Sapo. PT revoga licença para TDT e recupera caução. pt.
  13. Web site: Económico . Quem ganha e perde com o novo canal de TV . pt . 2010-07-10 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110929013632/http://diarioeconomico.sapo.pt/edicion/diarioeconomico/edicion_impresa/empresas/pt/desarrollo/1074317.html . 2011-09-29 .
  14. Web site: Canal Parlamento estreia hoje em sinal aberto. 3 January 2013. SAPO Tek. SAPO.
  15. Web site: 2023-05-11 . Portuguese broadcasters question future of DTT . 2023-07-31 . en-GB.
  16. Web site: Meo secures DTT licence extension . 6 November 2023 .
  17. Web site: Emissores TDT. 26 June 2024. tdt.telecom.pt.

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