TDF teams have been working day and night since December 1 to enable the population of Marseille and the surrounding area to enjoy all Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) channels and radio again since the evening of Monday December 7. The arson attack on TDF's Marseille-Etoile site on the night of November 30 to December 1 deprived nearly 3.5 million people of DTT and radio.
DTT and radio once again cover the whole of Marseille and the surrounding area. However, for radio, listening comfort may still be impaired in some remote areas.
To ensure the best possible service, TDF recommends that DTT users perform automatic or manual channel searches on their TV sets.
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TEMPORARY SOLUTIONS HAVE ENABLED A GRADUAL RECOVERY
Thanks to the mobilization of TDF teams and its partners, temporary solutions were found and put in place less than twenty-four hours after the fire.
Despite the damage caused by this criminal act, TDF's priority was to restore broadcasting as quickly as possible. As a result, by December 1, most radio and DTT broadcasts had been restored from TDF's Pomègues site on the Frioul islands, covering a limited area of Marseille.
The 3G and 4G networks of the four cell phone operators, whose antennas are housed on the site, have also resumed.
TEAMS REMAIN MOBILIZED AND WORK CONTINUES
Damage to infrastructure was extensive. Electronic equipment was severely damaged by the fire and toxic fumes. Specific and strict safety measures were applied to the teams on site.
A large quantity of equipment was brought in from all over France to replace what was no longer in working order. Technicians and experts are currently installing the new equipment, which requires precise preparation and adjustment. Prior to re-commissioning, measurements and tests have been carried out.
Nearly 100 TDF employees, regional and national teams, are mobilized for this major operation, of which TDF is a victim. Restoration work at the Marseille-Etoile site will take several months.
TNT AND RADIO: ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE POPULATION
TDF is committed to ensuring a rapid, high-quality return to operational service for the entire population concerned. In the current health context, these services are more essential than ever for the population, especially for isolated people.
TDF salutes the mutual support of all those involved, who are working together to restore operational services as quickly as possible (law enforcement agencies, service providers, TDF teams, etc.).
Olivier Huart, Chairman and CEO of TDF said:
I strongly condemn this deplorable act, first and foremost for the safety of our employees, and secondly for the integrity of our sites. I am extremely proud and grateful for the efforts made by TDF's teams. I salute everyone's mobilization, mutual aid and solidarity. Our priority, as always, was to restore DTT and radio services for our customers and the public as quickly as possible and under the best possible conditions. In the current health context, these services are more essential than ever, especially for isolated people.