It was also providing money to help public television with its $1.7 billion conversion to digital broadcasting.
At the end of five years - in April 2002 - all other commercial television stations would have to begin digital broadcasting.
Many people question if the current system is still applicable in this age of digital broadcasting.
This is just one of several problems that have become apparent in the final weeks before the transition to digital broadcasting.
But those tastes and needs won't be evident until digital broadcasting has been experienced.
What's more, much of the equipment needed for digital broadcasting is still being designed.
No money changed hands as a result of the deal, which was prompted by the move to digital broadcasting.
In the first stage of the Program (2009) the conditions for the transition to digital broadcasting were to be provided.
The other six stations began digital broadcasting in July 2008.
I would like to dwell on the subject of digital broadcasting.