Alsumaria TV goes terrestrial in Iraq

The move makes Alsumaria TV the first terrestrial digital network in the region.

In line with the network's strong commitment "For One Iraq", the launch will allow Iraqi viewers to watch their favorite TV station via the traditional antenna without the need for a satellite dish or receiver.

The implementation plan is based on two consecutive phases: the first includes the installation of terrestrial sites for Baghdad and Al-Anbar provinces, and the second will cover the provinces of Karbala, Basrah, Mosul and Irbil.

First Phase
Terrestrial broadcast in the Baghdad region was launched on January 15, 2007.The terrestrial broadcast has a radius of 120 km. All homes in the central Iraqi region are today able to receive Alsumaria through the traditional aluminum antenna. In Al-Anbar, terrestrial broadcast will be operational by June 2007, with a radius of 105 km. Phase One will cover a surface of 158.000 km2 and a population of approximately nine million.

Second Phase
Equipment production has already begun for Phase Two, and construction is scheduled to start in June 2007. This phase will last until the end of this year, and offer coverage of Karbala, Basrah, Mosul and Irbil. At the end of Phase Two, 95 per cent of Iraqi territory will be covered by Alsumaria terrestrial broadcast.

Alsumaria is an independent Iraqi TV network established in September 2004 and assembles today a highly skilled team of 450 employees working across Iraq, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Alsumaria TV broadcasts 24/7. More than 25 hours of its weekly programs are produced in-house in Alsumaria's own studios. The TV programming line-up focuses on entertainment, culture, politics and news in addition to social programs and live shows hosted by an Iraqi youth team.

The station has also built a strong rapport with its Iraqi audiences via live phone calls and SMS, as well as field reports produced by a dynamic team of reporters and journalists covering all Iraqi regions and depicting the highs and lows of everyday life in the country.