"This transition will be made possible with the participation of more providers and television signals," Calderon said in his annual address atMexico City's National Palace.

The move, introduced by presidential decree, would begin next year.

Calderon did not say which type of digital television service would be used in the country of some 110 million — the top Spanish-speaking market.

Brazil has led the adoption of digital television in Latin America with a Japanese system, followed by NicaraguaEcuador and Bolivia.

Mexico receives major international channels by satellite and cable while the national market is dominated by private networks Televisa — the number one Spanish-speaking media group — followed by TV Azteca.