Digital Switch Over

By 2013, the UK’s television system is going to be completely digital. The switch over commenced in 2008, but already most service providers are offering mainly digital television.

The digital switch over was prompted as the government wants everyone to enjoy the wider channel range and new interactive services available with digital television. And in order to increase the signal strength of the digital broadcast so more people can receive digital, the old analogue network must first be switched off.

Today already over 80%of the UK households have chosen to make the digital switch. And as the switch over is commences, the coverage will be vastly improved so that virtually everyone should be able to receive digital television.

The Digital Switchover

The digital switch over will be instigated region by region , starting with Border in 2008 and conclude with London in 2012 (Channel Islands in 2013).

In an effort to make sure everyone is joining the digital switch over, the government will also implement a digital switch over help scheme. The help scheme allows eligible households special support for the installation and even equipment. This will affect about 7 million households. If you are eligible for the help scheme (aged 75, significant disability or registered partially sighted) you will be contacted in good time before the switch over.

Click here for more on the Digital Switch