027/05
6 April 2005
Digital TV rollout for regional and remote WA
The Australian Government has approved funding assistance for the introduction of digital commercial television broadcasting services in remote and regional Western Australia, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.
Both existing commercial television services will be available in digital as well as analog mode. An additional commercial channel, jointly run by WIN and Prime, will be broadcast in digital-only format.
"Every regional community outside Perth stands to benefit from this digital rollout, negotiated with the regional broadcasters, WIN and Prime television," Senator Coonan said.
"This means a much greater range of programming will be available to viewers, no matter where they live in Western Australia."
Viewers can simply purchase either a digital television or a set-top box that converts digital signals for viewing on analog television. A set-top box will cost from around $130 - but the service itself is free-to-air.
The Minister said that analog and digital transmission will be simulcast for at least eight years, to give viewers plenty of time to upgrade their technology.
The rollout to remote and regional Western Australia is expected to begin in the second half of 2006, once necessary legislation has been passed by Parliament.
Under the Government's Regional Equalisation Plan (REP), $19.36 million in financial assistance will be provided to the broadcasters over eight years.
WIN and Prime will receive $1.210 million each per annum, to meet half the capital costs and half of eight years' digital operation costs.
"In recognition of the costs of digital conversion in remote and regional communities across Australia, the Government is providing more than $250 million in total funding through the REP, to assist regional and remote broadcasters with the cost of the introduction of digital television services."
"The Government is also providing funding for the progressive rollout of ABC and SBS digital television services throughout Australia. Regional viewers will be able to enjoy the same viewing choices as those enjoyed in larger centres."