Digital radio- and tele-broadcasting has been launched in the North Caucasus for the first time, TASS-Telecom reports.

The launch ceremony, that took place in Vladikavkaz, the Republic of Northern Ossetia-Alanya, was attended by Igor Schyogolev, the RF Minister of Telecom and Mass Communications.

The launch command was given from the distant control center, located in the city mayor house. “Already today the residents of the flat land of Vladikavkaz will be able to enjoy high-quality picture. It is important to note that traditional broadcasting will continue, while digital broadcasting is being launched in parallel,” Timur Kusov, the chairman of the Alanya state tele and radio company, said.

The first multiplex – the set of television and radio broadcasting channels, shown on one digital channel – has become possible through participating in the federal program “Development of Tele- and Radio Broadcasting in RF in 2009-2015”. Under the program, a total of 49 communication facilities, including 28 new ones, are to be launched in the Northern Ossetia. This will reportedly to ensure digital coverage of 98% of the region’s population, as well as will create facilities for placing such modern technologies, as broadband high-speed Internet access.

The new technologies open opportunities for holding video conferences, development of the system of electronic government, address informing population on threats through the Ministry of Emergency Situations’ line.

A meeting of the Council on Regional Informatization, held in Vladikavkaz, was attended by the Council members from all regions of the Russian Federation, federal government, including the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communication, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Finance, and other government agencies.

The participants discussed issues and problems in the sector of forming electronic government and increasing quality of state services.