Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Northern NSW switches over to digital TV
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced that northern NSW has officially switched over to digital-only TV.
“At 9am, over 550,000 households switched to digital-only TV, as analog signals across the Northern NSW switchover region were switched off,” Senator Conroy said.
“Today’s switch-off means that over 2.1 million households across six regions in Australia are now enjoying the better picture and sound quality, and the greater choice that digital television provides.
“As TV in the northern areas of NSW is now digital-only, if you live in the area you must have a digital TV or a digital set-top box to continue watching free to air television.”
Northern NSW is the last switchover for 2012, and next year marks the final 12 months of Australia’s Digital Switchover. In 2013, Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane will make the switch, along with Tasmania, Remote and Regional WA and Remote and Central Eastern Australia.
“By the end of next year, all Australians will have made the switch to digital television. The Australian Government is committed to making sure that everyone has access to help and support as the switchover continues.
“The Australian Government has already provided assistance through the Household Assistance Scheme to over 120,000 households Australia-wide and will reach out to another 1.4 million people across the next 12 months.
“The Household Assistance Scheme will remain open in Northern NSW until 27 December 2012 and will also be available to support people in all future switchover regions.
“The switchover represents a substantial effort on the part of broadcasters, government, businesses and communities themselves. Congratulations to everyone across Northern NSW for embracing the change to digital TV.”
Support is still available for people who haven’t switched to digital TV or who are having reception issues. Visit www.digitalready.gov.au or call 1800 20 10 13 for more information.
A video message from Senator Stephen Conroy will be available for download from http://db.tt/BoeZwUFl
Photos are available upon request from switchover_media@dbcde.gov.au
Date: 27 November 2012
Contact: Adam Sims 0408 258 457
Digital Switchover Taskforce - switchover.media@dbcde.gov.au
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