Image: vinzcha/Flickr (Creative Commons)
The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has announced the proposed dates for the digital switch over for all the state capital cities. After those dates, television will be broadcast only in digital, with the analog signals being vacated for use for other means – such as 4G (if Telstra, Optus and Vodafone managed to get a bid in).
Adelaide will switch off their signals on April 2 next year, with all of Tasmania following it on April 9 and Perth on April 16. Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast will switch off their signals on May 28 and Darwin on 30 July.
Melbourne and Sydney will switch off their dates in December – Sydney being on December 3, and Melbourne on December 10.
Regional and Remote Western Australia; and the Remote Central and Eastern Australia areas have not been confirmed, but the Government has proposed 25 June 2013 and 10 December 2013 respectively.
Those on Foxtel or Austar will not need to worry, as they are already on digital. Those confused or have questions about the digital switchover are advised to contact the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13 (free call) or visit the Digital Ready website.