Ofcom says the UK has now switched from analogue to digital terrestrial television, such as the Freeview and Top Up TV services. It means the former analogue TV spectrum is free to be used for 4G mobile data services. This so-called ‘Digital Dividend’ is due to be auctioned in a few months’ time.
Ed Richards, Ofcom’s Chief Executive, said “The UK’s switchover to digital has been a huge success. Not only has is created more TV choice for consumers, it has also freed up vital capacity that will be used to deliver mobile broadband services to 98% of cities, towns and villages across the UK. Now that switchover is complete, Ofcom is looking forward to delivering the 4G auction as the next step in delivering new higher speed mobile broadband services.”
The analogue television switch-off, managed by Digital UK Ltd, has taken five years and involved 1,154 digital transmitter sites. The final transmitters in Northern Ireland were changed to digital today.