Government Digital Plans

The government’s plans for the future of digital television announced yesterday would enable up to 12 digital terrestrial services to be provided. Up to four would be broadcast as a Single Frequency Network, using frequency Channel 35; this would reach 95% of the population. Up to four more services could have 90-95% coverage, and a further four services with 80% coverage. Regional variations would be possible on eight of these services, but not on the Single Frequency Network.

Four of these services would be used to simulcast the present four terrestrial channels, and another would be available for Channel 5. The use of Channel 28, which would have extended the reach of Channel 5, was ruled out by the government, to the disappointment of the ITC, because of the interference it would cause with the reception of existing services.

The government’s plans to simulcast the terrestrial channels on digital services will encourage people to buy new digital receiving equipment, the government hopes. If sufficient people move over to digital equipment, after around 15 years, television services may be switched completely from analogue to digital.

Now the government has made the frequencies available for Channel 5, it is now up to the Independent Television Commission to advertise the licence.

ITC 071 255 3000.