The Portuguese government first began considering digital terrestrial television in 1998, at a time when the first services in Europe were being tested.
[7] PTDP's service was scheduled to start on August 31, 2002, but due to recommendations from ANACOM, it was suggested that the launch was to be delayed to 2003.
PT also acquired the transmitter network of Televisão Independente (TVI), thus becoming the sole broadcaster of analog television signals.
[12] The creation of the 5th TV channel was criticized by private broadcasters, TVI and Sociedade Independente de Comunicação (SIC).
They argued that the television advertising market was saturated and a new broadcaster would damage existing channels.
[14] In 2023, Media Capital CEO Pedro Morais Leitão said that the company was considering pulling out of DTT broadcasting.