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Introduction

1.1 In September 2005, the Government confirmed that digital switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, ITV region by ITV region, starting in the Border TV region. Digital switchover (DSO) is the process of changing the UK’s television broadcasting to digital. Digital switchover will involve converting the current television broadcasting network, as well as encouraging everyone to convert or upgrade their TV and recording equipment to receive digital television. Ofcom has inserted conditions into the terrestrial broadcasters’ multiplex licences to ensure that they implement digital switchover to this timetable.

1.2 During the transitional period between the start of DSO preparation work (2006) and the end of DSO roll out (2012), the implementation of the DSO plan has the potential to cause some interference to the normal reception of the analogue terrestrial services (BBC1, BBC2, Channel 3, Channel 4/S4C and Channel 5), the existing digital terrestrial television (DTT) services (comprising the six DTT multiplexes as currently broadcast from 80 transmission sites around the UK) and the six DTT multiplex services as they will be broadcast after switchover on a region by region basis.

1.3 Ofcom’s multiplex licences currently include a condition requiring the broadcasters to comply with a Code of Practice on Changes to Existing Transmission and Reception Arrangements (the Code). This Code was originally drawn up by Ofcom’s predecessor, the Independent Television Commission, to provide guidance to broadcasters on how to minimise the impact of the initial launch of DTT in 1998 on analogue viewers. This Code has from time to time been revised by Ofcom.

1.4 Ofcom believes that it is important that any disruption caused by the implementation of the DSO programme to viewers is minimised, whilst enabling the broadcasters to implement digital switchover in a timely and cost effective manner. The purpose of this document is to set out Ofcom’s proposals for how the Code should be updated to achieve these objectives. It is intended to provide clear guidance to the digital multiplex licensees about how they should minimise the impact of DSO on existing analogue and DTT viewers.

1.5 Ofcom is not carrying out a full public consultation on these proposals as it considers that this is not a matter which involves any fundamental change in policy and Ofcom is not proposing any change to licence conditions in the broadcast licences. Ofcom is also mindful of the urgent need of broadcasters for clear guidance on these issues. We are though seeking to ensure that all interested parties are aware of these proposals and have the opportunity to comment. The closing date for responses is 6 March 2007. Details about how to respond are set out at section 4 of this discussion paper.

• Digital Switchover – Management of Transition Coverage Issues [pdf]
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