International Backing For UK Digital Switchover Plans

Ofcom today announced an international agreement securing near universal availability of Freeview in the UK by 2012, as well as international agreements to support the further expansion of digital radio.

Ofcom led the UK delegation at the International Telecommunication Union’s Regional Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva, where it was agreed that the UK will be permitted to use all necessary transmitter sites to deliver public service broadcasting digital terrestrial television channels to 98.5% of the population (the same proportion as currently receive analogue television broadcasts) and other commercial digital television channels to up to 90% of the population.

Also negotiated with France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Republic of Ireland and other countries, was protection of analogue television broadcast signals until switchover and protection of non-broadcasting services, including mobile communications, radar and radio astronomy, within the frequency ranges under review.

Stephen Carter, Ofcom chief executive, said: “This accelerates the move to all-digital broadcasting. After months of detailed negotiations involving more than 100 countries, this successful outcome is testament to the hard work and dedication of the UK delegation.”

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk