BBC And Arqiva Sign £1.8 Billion Deal To Aid Switchover

The BBC and Arqiva have signed a deal worth more than £1.8 billion that will see the company design, deploy, and operate the Corporation’s new high-power digital terrestrial television (DTT) network.

Arqiva will replace both the BBC’s analogue television networks and the current low-power DTT network, as well as build and operate additional transmitters to expand the coverage of the BBC’s DAB digital radio network, with the possibility of up to a further 160 new DAB transmitters being ordered in the future.

The new DTT services will be introduced on a region-by-region basis between 2008 and 2012 and the service will continue to be delivered by Arqiva until 2031 (2023 for DAB).

The BBC’s two public service multiplexes will be broadcast from 1154 existing transmitter sites, delivering digital TV to 98.5% of the population via rooftop aerials.

Richard Waghorn, controller of distribution at the BBC, said: “We are delighted to take this next step in the process of digital switchover. The delivery of high power digital signals to the whole country is crucial if the BBC is to help deliver a fully digital UK.”

Steve Holebrook, Arqiva’s managing director, Terrestrial Media Solutions, added: “Digital switchover is a complex and challenging task and we are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by the BBC to deliver their future television broadcast network.

“We have a long history in broadcast transmission and we’re proud that we’ll be playing such a major role supporting the BBC in the future.”

Arqiva: 01962 823434 www.arqiva.com

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk