UK ends analogue era
October 24, 2012
The UK has ended more than 70 years of analogue broadcasting today with the completion of digital television switchover. Olympic gold medallist Dame Mary Peters switched off the last analogue signals at the Divis transmitter, just outside Belfast and Freeview signals were boosted across Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: ‘The UK’s switch to digital television has been the biggest single change to broadcasting for a generation. It has delivered more choice for millions of viewers and paved the way for exciting new services, securing our role as a global player in broadcasting and creative industries.’
Following the completion of switchover, some airwaves previously used for television will be auctioned for 4G high-speed mobile broadband. 4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology, ideally suited for video streaming, email, messenger services and social networking.