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Paving the way for a Digital Future

DTI Press Notice- P/2003/062
Thursday 30 January 2003

Paving the way for a Digital Future Spectrum planning to make digital TV switchover a reality

The Government announced today new plans for the next steps to make digital TV a reality. It will make use of the analogue networks to support the nationwide digital multiplexes.

The move will convert at least two analogue networks, as well as other appropriate spectrum, to deliver the six national digital terrestrial networks, which currently deliver all the Freeview services. It will free up 14 frequency channels for reuse.

The move follows on from a detailed analysis of how much the plans might cost to put into operation and what benefit can be produced with the spectrum made available. The spectrum that is freed up could be most suitable to be used for broadcasters or mobile telecommunications, but is dependent on future regulatory decisions and business planning.

Today''s decision paves the way for the next steps to bringing about the digital switchover. Later this year decisions will be made on the minimum coverage requirements for public service broadcasting. It will also be possible to provide a comprehensive picture of the availability of digital terrestrial TV to households before and after the switchover. A detailed plan from the Digital Television Project spectrum planners is expected by October.

Stephen Timms, e-Commerce Minister, commented on the new plans:

"The UK as a digital TV nation is rapidly becoming a reality. The UK is a world leader in digital take up, with more than 9 million homes, or 40%, that get digital TV services. The high demand for new services, like Freeview, shows that we remain on track for the UK switchover target.

"Spectrum is a finite resource, and demands the most effective management so that the greatest benefit can be given to all. This move is the next step forward to delivering digital terrestrial TV services to UK households, whilst offering more spectrum for use in the future for services that might include mobile or interactive broadcasting."

Note for editors

Full details of the spectrum planning decision, including an explanatory statement, can be found at http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk . Related documents on today''s decision, including the spectrum planning consultation, can also be found on the website.

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