Pulse for the DTT standard in Latin America

After months of hard fighting between Europeans, Americans and Brazilians, Ecuador finally opts for the ISDBT-SBTVD standard, thus joining Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil itself.

Ecuador has finally chosen to choose the ISDB-T/SBTVD standard (Japanese development with Brazilian variations) to implement digital television, as confirmed by the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) and the Superintendent of Telecommunications, Fabián Jaramillo. With this option, to the detriment of the European DVB-T standard, Ecuador thus joins Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil in adopting the Japanese standard for digital terrestrial.

The Ecuadorian authorities estimate that DTT will be fully implemented within seven years, and analogue shutdown can then be carried out. Both Japan and Brazil, partners in this Latin American development, have committed to providing technical advice and logistical support during this process.

To this end, cooperation memoranda have already been signed between Ecuador and Brazil and Ecuador and Japan, with the presence of the highest authorities of Supertel, the Minister of Telecommunications, the Chancellor of the Republic and the diplomatic representatives of the countries involved. According to this commitment, Japan will provide technical advice on digital technology, while Brazil will create a digital content production center, and will donate equipment for Ecuadorian state television.

Brazil grants a loan to Uruguay to adopt its pattern

Brazil has announced its willingness to open a line of credit to Uruguay to adopt the Japanese-Brazilian standard. Helio Costa, Minister of Communication in Brazil, announced this measure after meeting with his Uruguayan colleague from industry, energy and mining, Roberto Kreirman.

To facilitate the adoption of ISDB-T/SBTVD, Uruguay will receive a loan from Brazil from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES, state development bank) for the purchase of equipment.