Government announces date for switchover to Digital TV

Government has announced that the switchover to digital television will be completed by 2013. The switchover will follow a phased four step process, beginning with Hawkes Bay and the West Coast, followed by the remainder of the South Island, the lower North Island, and finally the remainder of the North Island.

The Government is also in discussion with the television broadcasting industry and transmission providers regarding an extension to the digital terrestrial television coverage area, to support the switchover process.

The switchover to digital TV will free up the radio spectrum in the 700 MHz band for new uses, most likely to be new mobile broadband services. MED is working on the planning and allocation issues for this band, and expects to release a consultation document in mid 2011.

For more information on digital switchover announcements, see the Ministry of Culture and Heritage website.