[opendtv] AUSTRALIA: (DVB-T) Digital switchover date confirmed
- From: "Ciril Kosorok" <kosorok@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:23:30 +1100
There is movement at the station...
http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2007/003
Digital switchover date confirmed
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the
Digital Economy, today confirmed that the first firm steps had been taken on
the road to completing switchover by the end of 2013.
Senator Conroy said that the switchover to digital television was important to
all Australians because it offers benefits to viewers such as improved picture
and sound quality and greater program choice. It will also make spectrum
available for alternate uses such as new mobile services, a fourth television
licence and wireless broadband services.
"We are moving quickly to maximise the benefits for all Australians and keep
pace with the rest of the world," Senator Conroy said.
"Setting a firm date of 2013 for the switchover from analogue to digital
television transmission in Australia has given industry the certainty it needs
to drive consumer uptake of digital television.
"Until now, industry has had no declared end date and has been unable to plan
effectively for digital television,"
"I have established a Digital Switchover Taskforce in the Department of
Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, to be headed by Andy
Townend, to drive the work necessary to deliver switchover by 2013.
"The Taskforce will work closely with industry and report back to me with a
comprehensive switchover timetable in the third quarter of 2008," Senator
Conroy said.
The Government has also moved quickly to amend the previous Government's date
of December 2008 to commence digital-only television transmissions in
metropolitan markets.
"This is clearly an impossible date for both viewers and industry. The
Government has inherited a digital take up rate of approximately 30 per cent
and will now work with industry to ensure that all Australians are prepared for
digital television.
"Accordingly, I have amended the date for commencement of digital only
transmission in metropolitan markets to December 2009. This will allow time for
the Taskforce and industry to develop a detailed switchover timetable for all
of Australia."
18 December 2007
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