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Digital Television

Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, television services in the UK will go completely digital. The old analogue television signal will be switched off TV region by TV region and the digital terrestrial signal will be boosted. This process – known as digital switchover – has important benefits:

• Switchover is fairer. At present homes in many parts of the UK are currently unable to receive digital TV via an aerial and many still cannot receive channel five. By switching off the existing analogue broadcasting system we can boost the digital TV signal and provide people with a greater choice of affordable digital options.
• Digital TV is more efficient. It can carry many more channels than analogue and will free up spectrum that can be used for a range of services, such as more TV services in either standard or high definition, wireless broadband, local TV and many others.
• Switching the terrestrial TV system to digital will ensure the UK keeps pace with other leading countries, many of which are also switching to all digital broadcasting.

We are working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Ofcom (the independent regulator for the broadcasting industry) and Digital UK (the not-for-profit organisation set up by the broadcasters to lead the switchover programme) to ensure that digital switchover is a success.

For more information about the detailed timetable and switching to digital television please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk. For queries on local, technical and reception issues relating to switchover you can contact Digital UK on 0845 6 50 50 50

If you want to find out more about the Government policies and initiatives on digital television, please visit our dedicated website www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk