Freeview has proved to be a surprise hit in Ireland, even though the service is designed for the UK.
According to the Irish Times today, around 100,000 boxes have been sold to Irish viewers living near the Northern Ireland border, where reception can be picked up from the Belfast and Newry transmitters.
The viewing base in the Republic is around half of the 200,000 who receive the service officially in Northern Ireland itself.
The availability of Freeview to those on the fringe could impact upon plans by the Irish goverment to launch a ten-channel DTT offering. Industry sources told the newspaper that it had already had a "significant" effect on the takeup of the service from cable operator Chorus in the region.
According to the Irish Times today, around 100,000 boxes have been sold to Irish viewers living near the Northern Ireland border, where reception can be picked up from the Belfast and Newry transmitters.
The viewing base in the Republic is around half of the 200,000 who receive the service officially in Northern Ireland itself.
The availability of Freeview to those on the fringe could impact upon plans by the Irish goverment to launch a ten-channel DTT offering. Industry sources told the newspaper that it had already had a "significant" effect on the takeup of the service from cable operator Chorus in the region.
