1 March 2011
ACMA takes the next step to realising the digital dividend
The Australian Communications and Media Authority today released Clearing the Digital Dividend, a discussion paper signalling the second step in a three step process to realising the digital dividend.
There are three steps to realising the digital dividend:
- Completion of the switchover to digital TV
- Clearance of digital television services from the block of UHF spectrum corresponding to television channels 52-69; and
- Reallocation of the cleared spectrum to new users.
Clearing the Digital Dividend focuses on the process of clearing digital TV services from the digital dividend spectrum, commonly known as restack.
It sets out the proposed objectives and planning principles that will govern the preparation of channel plans for the restack, and is seeking input from the broadcasting industry and other interested stakeholders.
Restack cannot take place in an area until analog TV is switched off. While a restack timetable has not yet been developed, the restack is due to be completed by the end of 2014.
Viewers in areas where TV services change channel may need to retune their digital receivers at that time. While retuning is a minor procedure, the ACMA will work closely with the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, government, and industry on strategies to inform or assist viewers in the lead up to the restack in each area.
The ACMA encourages submissions from all interested parties. The deadline is 4 April 2011.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Emma Rossi, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7719, 0434 652 063 or media@acma.gov.au.
# # #
The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
Follow the ACMA online
ACMA - See www.acma.gov.au for updates and other social media activities
Twitter - Find us at acmadotgov
Facebook - Join in the discussion at acmadotgov
engage - Join the ACMA at www.engage.acma.gov.au|BETA
