Ofcom: analogue switchoff could begin in '07

Ofcom has started a consultation on "Digital Replacement Licenses" (DRLs) for Channel 3, Channel 4, Channel 5 and public teletext.

These DRLs would supersede the broadcasters' current analogue licences to broadcast on terrestrial frequencies. Currently, their licences permit them to transmit using analogue technology, with an added ability to broadcast on DTT. The DRLs will shift the emphasis to broadcasting on DTT with a temporary measure allowing them to continue broadcasting on the older analogue frequencies through to a final backstop date of 31 December 2012, by which time all licensees "shall be obliged to cease broadcasting their analogue service."

This final date of 2012 means that switchover could begin in 2007. The DRLs mandate that broadcasters roll-out DTT services to 1154 transmission sites, thereby offering roughly the same area of coverage as currently provided by analogue transmission sites. Broadcasters would be obliged to work with organisations involved in digital switchover, such as the new "SwitchCo" being built by government, broadcasters and consumer groups.

The regulator hopes to issue DRLs licences by the end of this year.