[A-DX] Aus "Arutz-7 News"

[Miha Rus <MihaR@xxxxxxxxx>]

Title: Aus "Arutz-7 News"

5. DIGITAL RADIO ON THE WAY
The government decided last week to implement major reforms in the controversial and even emotional area of radio stations available to the public. The Cabinet decision stipulates that in the proposed Communications Law amendment to be brought before the Knesset in October, consideration will be made for a satellite platform to enable the addition of dozens of new radio stations.

The digital platform enables the reception of many stations over the same frequency. Existing stations such as Army Radio, Voice of Israel and the regional stations will also be invited to take part. Digital radio can only be received with appropriate equipment - available for homes, cars and computers - that is able to decode digital radio signals. It can be purchased for a one-time cost, but will involve no subscriptions, rental fees, or on-line charges.

Communications Minister Ehud Olmert said he sees a "rosy future for the new infrastructures that will gradually be introduced in Israel," noting that digital radio could be operative by the end of 2005. The infrastructure will be built and operated by private investors, who will be paid by the radio stations. Satellite broadcasts will also be offered.

In other Communications Ministry news, three of Israel's four cellular phone companies have been informed that they are about to be fined over 320,000 shekels each for providing erotic phone services. The only company that did not violate the Ministry's regulations in this regard was Cellcom.

73, Miha Rus, Log pri Brezovici