Analogue Switch-off

The gradual cut-off of analogue broadcasting, to be replaced by Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), started several years ago in the major developed market economy countries, most of which have already set the date for complete switch-off in their countries. Nevertheless, the rollout and implementation of this cutover have proven to be very different from one country to the other and present various approaches to the arrival of digital broadcasting.

Two goals are driving analogue signal cut-off to make way for digital transmission alone. The most important is to take advantage of digital signal compression technologies to release spectrum resources and optimise spectrum use. Each nation will make the decision to reallocate released frequencies but, already, audiovisual and telecom players are positioning themselves to gain a share in this digital dividend. The second essential objective is migration to digital: improve audiovisual equipment for all households so they can benefit from a more enriched, diversified and extensive television experience.

This study first of all presents an overview and perspective on the various switch-off methods in Europe, the United States and Japan. It then highlights the cutover's major issues. Finally, it analyses the magnitude of repercussions on changes in the audiovisual sector, especially in terms of frequency management and new service launches, far beyond just the cut-off phase.

Analogue Switch-off in brief

• International overview for switch-off methods
• General framework and national approaches
• Attendant measures and public policies
• Issues with moving to digital
• Digital dividend use

Countries

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• United States
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1 - Introduction


2 - International switch-off method overview

France – Germany – United Kingdom – Italy – Spain – United States – Japan

2.1 General switch-off framework
• Legal provisions
• DTT launch
• Digital penetration and DTT equipment

2.2 Attendant measures for switch-off
• Public initiatives
• Legal obligations
• Communication plan

2.3 Solutions for shadow regions?

2.4 Pre-emption of future channels released for television services

2.5 Switch-off calendar for other European countries

2.6 Overview of various switch-off approaches
• DTT launch date
• Switch-off calendar
• Switch-off roll-out
• Dominant TV service reception methods
• Switch-off difficulties and issues
• Attendant measures for switch-off
• Digital dividend predetermined uses

3 - Key questions surrounding switch-off

3.1 Will the transition to digital be a success?
• What will the networks look like after the switch-off battle?
• Where will analogue be compared to digital?
• Which networks will consumers excluded from DTT choose?

3.2 Digital dividend issues
• Various approaches to digital dividend management
• The debate about payment for frequencies by television operators
• Should we prepare for a second switch-off?
• Countries heavily involved during the transition phase and basically neutral when it comes to post switch-off spectrum management

3.3 Possible switch-off winners and losers
• Consumers
• Audiovisual service broadcasters
• Audiovisual transmission operators
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