Finland’s DNA strikes HD deal with Yle

Finnish operator DNA and public broadcaster Yle have struck a deal to continue the distribution of Yle’s high-definition television channels via DNA’s terrestrial network. The agreement will be valid until the end of 2026. DNA has been offering all Yle’s HD channels in its terrestrial network from January 2014.

All four Yle’s HD channels can be viewed via DNA’s VHF terrestrial network unencrypted. The network covers approximately 85% of Finland’s households.

Yle has said it will provide all of its own TV programming in full HD quality by the end of 2016.

“Through our television network, we have systematically promoted access to HD content in Finnish homes. Yle’s high-definition channels are a key part of the offering. This agreement on the distribution of Yle’s HD channels via our terrestrial network will enable sustained development and ensure that homes using terrestrial antennas will continue to receive all Yle’s programming as top-quality HD image,” says Jarno Haikonen, Vice President, Entertainment Business, DNA.

“Through the competitive tendering of our HD channel distribution, we achieved a great result. Our co-operation with DNA will continue. Yle can now develop the distribution of HD television via the terrestrial network with a Finnish partner, while supporting efficient use of the VHF frequency band. A large part of Finnish households using terrestrial antennas can already receive Yle’s HD channels via DNA’s terrestrial network, even though we won’t be able to offer HDTV broadcasts throughout Finland until 2020,” says Janne Yli-Äyhö, COO, Operations, Yle.