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In advance of the roll-out of Freeview HD starting in December 2009, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ will clear Multiplex B of all current Standard Definition (SD) streams.

This will result in the closure of one ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Red Button interactive video stream and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News Multiscreen stream.

The News Multiscreen will still be available on Sky and Virgin Media and its video content can be seen via ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Online.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ remains committed to delivering the very best video content to Freeview viewers via its remaining interactive stream.

While Multiplex B will be fully reserved for HD services in the parts of the UK that have been through digital switchover, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ will, through a competitive tender, offer to the market the two vacant streams available in other parts of the UK in the interim period to 2012.

The two streams will be available in approximately 80% of the country from the end of 2009, and coverage will reduce to zero when switchover is complete in 2012.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has launched its competitive bid process which will provide third parties the opportunity to launch new services for audiences in the UK.

Caroline Thomson, Chief Operating Officer for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, said: "The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has identified an opportunity to release temporary spare spectrum capacity to any interested companies that wish to launch new services for audiences in the UK.

"Not only does this mean that we are ensuring that spectrum is used as efficiently as possible but it will also deliver better value for money for licence fee payers."

Notes to Editors

Multiplex B was awarded to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ after the collapse of ITV Digital. It is one of two multiplexes held by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. It is licensed to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Free-To-View Ltd (a wholly-owned ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ company) by Ofcom.

Ofcom consulted on converting Multiplex B to HD on 21 November 2007. The Ofcom consultation can be found on its website at www.ofcom.org.uk/condocs/dttfuture.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has published the invitation to tender in Broadcast magazine. Companies can register interest at MultiplexBCapacity@bbc.co.uk. Expressions of interest must be received by 4 November 2009.

Capacity Allocation Guidelines for Multiplex B from Free-To-View Ltd are available at www.bbc.co.uk/info/policies.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Red Button interactive video stream and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News Multiscreen stream will be switched off on 27 October.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Press Office