Senator Stephen Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, announced that on 30 June 2010 the first region in Australia will officially switch-off analogue TV signals.
According to Conroy, Mildura Sunraysia will be the first region in Australia to switch to digital-only free-to-air television. Conroy visited Mildura yesterday to unveil a countdown clock to signify 100 days until the switchover.
“This is a significant milestone in the switchover to digital television across Australia by 2013,” he said.
“Households in Mildura Sunraysia already lead the way in getting ready for digital TV, with 85 per cent of households already converted at the end of January 2010. In addition, around 1,500 households have been helped to make the switch to digital TV through the Government’s Household Assistance Scheme.”
Conroy said that the Government and broadcasters are working closely together to ensure households in the region are ready to enjoy all the benefits of digital TV.
“New digital transmission facilities are being established by broadcasters at Ouyen and Underbool,” he said.
“The Government is also fully funding a new satellite service to deliver the full range of digital TV channels to people who cannot get adequate reception from terrestrial transmitters. The new services will be available around a month before the switchover date.”
Local advertising and information campaigns are currently running throughout the region to make sure everyone is aware of the switch-off date.
“The switchover campaign will be stepped up over the coming weeks to ensure those people yet to make the switch know that the switchover is fast approaching, and what they need to do to get ready for 30 June,” he said.