According to local reports, the government took the decision during a meeting on 11 July 2013, citing financial problems in funding the switchover. The finance minister said he would not authorize the required funds in the national budget.

The switch to digital broadcasting was originally set for a January 2012 deadline, which was extended to September. The government of Bulgaria had indicated that it would prefer a 2015 deadline.

The request would go to the European Commission, which has already contested Bulgaria's digital tender procedure.