The Red River Delta Transmission Broadcasting Company (RTB JSC) launched a pilot broadcast digital terrestrial television (DTT) service in the capital city of Ha Noi on May 19.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Le Nam Thang (middle) and leaders of the Red River Delta Transmission Broadcasting Company launch a pilot broadcast digital terrestrial television service in Ha Noi on May 19. Photo tapchibcvt.gov.vn

The service will initially provide 14 standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) channels in Ha Noi, as well as in five northern cities and provinces on one frequency. The frequency will increase to two by September. By the end of 2016 the company's transmission network will cover all areas in the Red River Delta.

According to a TV digitalisation plan approved by the Prime Minister in December 2011, five cities under the central authority will switch from analog to DTT by the end of this year.

At the moment, there are five companies offering DTT services in the country. Vietnam Television (VTV), Vietnam Television Corporation (VTC) and An Vien Television (AVG) provide digital service throughout the country, and RTB JSC and Southern Digital Television (SDTV) Company offers service in the north and the south of Viet Nam, respectively.

RTB, founded on March 27, 2014, had a charter capital of VND30 billion (more than US$1.36 million) contributed by four major shareholders, including Hanoi Television, Hanel Company Limited, Hanoi Television Development Investment JSC, and Hanoi Cable Television.