[Satellite TODAY 07-22-10]  Italian satellite broadcaster Sky Italia has received permission from the European Commission (EC) to bid on digital free-to-air (FTA) frequencies in Italy, Sky Italia announced July 21.
    In its decision, the Commission noted that since Italy switched to digital television formats earlier this year, frequencies have been opened up for auction and that there has been “significant changes” in the sector to warrant reversing the 2003 rules that restricted Sky Italia to satellite airwaves.
      Since the EC split up Italy’s broadcast sector into three companies in 2003, Sky Italia’s competitors, Mediaset and RAI, have split the free-to-air frequencies market, while Sky Italia has captured a majority share of Italy’s satellite platform market.
    Mediaset said it plans to appeal the decision in the European Court of Justice.