Preparations underway for replacement of antenna on Prague’s tallest building

Preparations are being made to change the antenna on the Žižkov television tower in Prague on Monday. Streets around the city’s tallest and most futuristic building will be closed off, and while a helicopter is overhead local residents will be barred from leaving their homes. The helicopter to be used is a Russian Kamov Ka 32 capable of carrying heavy loads and described as a kind of flying crane. It will carry out the operation in three or four flights. The antenna on the 216-m high tower needs to be replaced to improve reception of digital television signals. The Žižkov TV tower, completed in 1992, also serves as a transmitter for FM radio and mobile communications.