89/07
Tuesday 26 June 2007

Comment sought on digital conversion of self-help TV retransmission sites

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today released a discussion paper and called for public comment on the operation of existing self-help analogue terrestrial television retransmission sites in a digital environment.

The discussion paper, Digital Conversion of Self-Help Television Retransmission Sites, considers the technical and timing issues for the conversion of self-help sites in a digital environment and the possible alternative options in some areas of direct-to-home satellite reception of digital television services.

“The Australian Government is committed to providing Australians with the best means to obtaining better television reception,” Senator Coonan said.

“On 23 November 2006, I released Ready, Get Set, Go Digital—A Digital Action Plan for Australia.

“The Action Plan identified the major tasks, processes and timeframes necessary to drive digital take-up and achieve digital switch-over.

“It also indicated that in 2007, the Government would further consider the best method of digital conversion of self-help television retransmission sites.

“This discussion paper follows this commitment.

“I encourage all affected members of the community to submit their views in response to the discussion paper so that a full range of opinions can be considered in formulating the most appropriate approach to this important issue.

“More than 600 communities across Australia operate and maintain self-help television retransmission facilities, 300 of which have been established thanks to Government initiatives,” Senator Coonan said.

These initiatives were the $35 million Television Black Spots Program (TVBSP) which closed on 30 June 2005, and the ongoing SBS Self-help Retransmission Scheme.

The discussion paper can be downloaded at www.dcita.gov.au/digital_television  obtained in hard copy by calling 02 6271 1204, or sending a fax to 02 6234 3126.