(Telecompaper) The Spanish government has approved the country's new national technical plan for digital terrestrial television (DTT), resulting in the release of the 800 MHz band frequencies currently used by DTT channels for 4G deployment by 01 January 2015. Presenting the plan, Spain's industry minister Jose Manuel Soria explained that eight high definition multiplex channels would be created, compared to the ten currently available, with private broadcasters operating five multiplexes, RTVE managing one and a half multiplex, and regional broadcasters operating one multiplex. The new DTT map will be divided into 75 geographical areas and the government will be organising a public communication campaign to inform Spaniards of the changes. As for the cost of the new DTT migration, the government has bowed to consumer pressure and finally agreed to pay the bill for readjusting DTT aerials on 998,000 buildings. The retuning must take place by 31 December and will cost around EUR 286 million at an average of EUR 22.60 household, affecting around 55 per cent of the population. The government has pledged to assume the cost and will hand out subsidies ranging from EUR 150 to EUR 500 depending on the number of affected multiplexes.