In an interview for the radio show “Digital icons” of Radio Belgrade, Nebojša Vasiljević, a senior advisor in the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, urged all citizens who are eligible to receive a free set-top-box (STB), to apply before June 30, which is the deadline defined by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

Vulnerable population categories will be able to receive a free STB to avoid losing TV signal after the analogue transmitter is shut down.

“Having learned from previous experience that many people wait for the deadline to do something, we will allow people, who meet the requirements, but who have not filed a claim in time, to receive a free STB even after the analogue signal is shut down” said Nebojša Vasiljević, adding that the specified deadline does not mean that the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting will not be completed earlier.

He pointed out that in order to receive the digital signals; one needs an antenna and a TV with an integrated DVB-T2 MPEG-4 tuner, while those who own older models of television sets will have to purchase a set-top-box that supports the DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 standards. He emphasized that there will be no change for those who do not receive television signals through antennas but use cable, IPTV and satellite operators.

“The supply of STBs on the market is relatively small. STBs will be cheaper and are expected to cost around 2500 RSD, but the price will vary depending on the functionality of the device,” said Vasiljević.

As for the digitalization of radio, Nebojša Vasiljević said that this is a separate issue that is much more complex compared to the digitalization of television, adding that it is possible to broadcast certain radio channels along with the digital broadcasting of television signals. So far this is not planned, but we are open to discuss that possibility, concluded Vasiljević.