What happens to analogue after the switch?

 

We've been asked what happens to the old analogue signal after the digital switchover...

 

Alice Barber asks: "I have heard that the Analog frequencies will still be there, available for public safety agencies during emergencies. Is this true or are analog signals truly gone? Also will it be illegal for anybody to transmit analog signals?"

 

For a start, it's important to note that the Digital Switchover only affects analogue TV signals - on the UHF band between 21 and 65. By 2012, the analogue TV transmitters will be switched off, and converted to digital transmitters (Freeview). Freeview uses the same band as analogue TV, the 21 to 65 UHF band, so it's just a case of the band switching from analogue to digital.

 

By 2012, it's hoped that every home that wants to watch TV, will have made the switch to digital.

 

Emergencies? Given that by 2012 almost all homes will be digital, we're not sure who'd be able to use the old analogue TV service in an emergency.

 

Illegal to be analogue? The UK frequencies are regulated by Ofcom - from 2012, the 21 to 65 UHF band will be for licensed digital TV services.

 

More information: Digital TV Options

 

Answer unclear? Let us know!