The government has announced that New Zealand's switch to digital television (DSO) will be completed by 2013 – two years earlier than its election promise."With 70% of New Zealand households already watching digital television, we are in a good
The government has announced that New Zealand’s switch to digital television (DSO) will be completed by 2013 – two years earlier than its election promise.
"With 70% of New Zealand households already watching digital television, we are in a good position to set a date for DSO," Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman said today.
"In achieving DSO by the end of 2013, all of New Zealand will receive the benefit of enhanced reception, better picture quality and more channels.”
An earlier date will also bring forward the expected economic benefit of the switch, estimated at between $1.1 billlion to $2.4 billion over 20 years.
These benefits are based on lower costs of deploying mobile networks in the 700 MHz band, resulting in lower costs for consumers.
The switch is expected to free up a large amount of radio spectrum in the 700 MHz band for new users, as digital is more efficient than analogue.
Communications and IT Minister Steven Joyce today described the spectrum as “ideal” for 4G mobile technologies.
The 700MHz band has good coverage qualities which make it more economic for mobile service providers and also more attractive for providing rural wireless broadband.
State-owned telecommunications and media company Kordia said today it was not surprised by the early switch-over to digital television
“We’ve been preparing New Zealand for digital television for a number of years,” Kordia’s general manager of strategic development Susie Stone said.
Vodafone and free-to-air platform Freeview both welcomed the announcement - heralding it respectively as a step towards ultra-fast wireless broadband and free high definition television for all.
The switch date will put New Zealand on a par with other OECD countries, with the United Kingdom switching over to digital by 2012 and Australia by 2013.
The US and parts of the EU have completed the switch.
Instructions for viewers
The switch to digital will be phased, starting with Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012. The rest of the country will switch over in three stages with an end date of November 2013.
Freeview, Sky or TelstraClear viewers are already able to make the switch.
Others may need to buy a new set-top box (currently between $150 and $200) and those without a UHF aerial or satellite dish may need to buy one.
A UHF aerial can cost between $80-100; a satellite dish (with mounting kit) costs between $200-$250.
A campaign will be launched later this year to provide additional information and support.
