Chris Adams
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The document summarizes key events and stakeholders in the evolution and implementation of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in the UK from 1996-2012. Major milestones included the initial licensing framework in 1996, launch of services in 1998, collapse of ITV Digital in 2002 and launch of Freeview, the Communications Act of 2003, and beginning of the digital switchover process in 2008. Digital UK coordinated the nationwide switchover project which was completed in regional stages by 2012 with support from government, regulators and industry groups to help consumers transition to DTT.
Chris Adams
- 1. Some key dates in DTT evolution Year Event 1996 Broadcasting Act (Framework for DTT Mux allocation and licensing) 1998 DTT services launched 2002 ITV Digital collapses – Freeview launched 2003 Comms Act launched 2004 New Digital licences issued to commercial PSBs 2005 Switchover timetable announced Digital UK launched 2008 Switchover begins in earnest 1
- 2. Progress to digital in the last 10 years Source: GfK research from Q1 2007 onwards; previous quarters use platform operator data, research and Ofcom estimates. Note: TV over ADSL take-up is too low a percentage to appear on this chart . Taken from Ofcom Digital Progress report Q1 2009 published 29 June 2009. 2
- 3. Regional switchover – completes end 2012 Key switchover facts • 15 TV Regions • 67 Transmitter Groups – each switching in two stages at different times 2008-2012 • Over 1,100 main transmitters and relays in UK network – all need upgrading for DTT • DTT currently covers 73% of UK households • Switchover will deliver universal coverage of 98.5% (equivalent to analogue today) Source: Digital UK 3
- 4. Division of responsibilities for switchover • Overall responsibility for switchover policy Government • Assistance for vulnerable groups • Public sector switchover implementation • Licensing and regulation of broadcasters Ofcom • Spectrum planning & international co-ordination • Research and market information • Co-ordination and project management role Digital UK • Consumer information (broadcasters & industry) • Rollout of DTT network nationwide • Delivering Help Scheme for eligible households DSHS • Appointing provider for main scheme (BBC, DUK, DCMS) • BBC managing contractor to deliver scheme 4
- 5. Stakeholders involved in switchover POLICY & REGULATION IMPLEMENTATION ADVISORY GROUPS The Consumer Expert Group Department for Media, The Platform Culture and Sport Advisory Group Department of Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform 5
- 6. Digital UK’s nationwide campaign Television Information Website Press ads leaflet Retail Simultaneous ads on all main channels Press advertising – national and regional Radio – regional Website with postcode checker Call centre – 0845 6 50 50 50 Information leaflets to 3m homes Retail information and promotion 6
- 7. Helping vulnerable consumers Government has allocated £600m of TV licence fee money to help older and vulnerable people with switchover. Assist seven million eligible across UK • Are 75 or over, or • Receive(or could receive) disability living allowance, attendance or constant attendance allowance, mobility supplement, or • Have lived in a care home for six months What is provided or more, or • Practical help to convert one TV: digital box, • Are registered blind or partially sighted installation (aerial/dish if needed), user support How Much • Two-thirds pay £40 • One-third receive for free (if on income support, income-based job seekers allowance or pension credit) 7
- 8. Regulatory framework for switchover Licensing ensures that switchover happens • In the UK Public Service Broadcasters (except BBC) have licences that include provisions for digital switchover. • These require the broadcasters to: • Switch off analogue and replace with digital to a specific timetable. • Mandate transmitters, frequencies and powers they must use so they achieve coverage targets. • Require communication with viewers and co-operation with other stakeholders. • Multiplex operators also have licences with requirements that match the timetable and coverage targets the broadcasters have to achieve. • Commercial broadcasters just require a content licence called a DTPS to provide services (after they have negotiated carriage on a Multiplex) 8