ATHENA FP6-507312

Digital Switchover: Developing Infrastructures for Broadband Access

ATHENA is an EC Sixth framework project, which commenced on the 1st of January 2004, and which will propose the proper actions to be taken concerning the Digital Switchover (DSO) in UHF, (the transition form analogue television broadcasting to digital TV). These actions are of strategic importance for the European Member Countries and most candidate ones, as the DSO arises as a possible and complementary solution towards the deployment of Broadband Access Infrastructures, especially in less favoured regions. A number of EU countries have already disposed broadband networking infrastructures, and commercial interest in satellite and cable networks have been established. However, in many other EU states, and in most Candidate Countries, the digital switchover can arise as a unique opportunity to fill the gap in the deployment of networking infrastructures.

Digital Switchover:

• To provide broadband access.

• To fill the gap in the deployment of broadband access infrastructures especially in less favorable areas (Local and Networking aspect of the new television in UHF).

• To interconnect fixed, wireless, 3G, and NGN nodes (Interconnecting television).

• To bridge the digital divide (broadband connection for all citizens utilising/exploiting the television beam).

• To make each active user a potential service/content provider (spin off activities, e-business, socio-economic impact on the society).

• To create an infrastructure for cities with Ambient Intelligence (MPEG-21 approach).

• To create an infrastructure that will be commonly exploited by 3G and  B3G operators and Broadcasters having independent business plans and different user/clients.