24 July 2006
Whitehaven in Cumbria will be the first UK location to make the complete switchover to digital, it has been announced.
Plans for Whitehaven were unveiled by Shaun Woodward, the broadcasting minister, and Margaret Hodge, industry minister last week.
From next autumn, analogue television signal will be replaced by digital, with help to be made available for older people or the disabled to make the switchover.
"The people of Whitehaven will lead the rest of the UK into the digital future. They will be the first to experience the enormous benefit from digital switchover as it will happen across the UK," said Mr Woodward.
"Over 15 million UK homes are already enjoying the benefits of digital TV, such as greater choice of channels, red button interactive features and better quality pictures and sound."
He pointed to examples of trials in Ferryside and Bolton to demonstrate that the switchover could be made successfully and with help given to the less able.
The broadcasting minister added: "I'm pleased that Digital UK will bring both the technical support aspects of switchover together in Whitehaven and begin the biggest change to British broadcasting since colour TV."
MPs received details of the plans for Whitehaven, which will be undertaken by Digital UK, in a letter, which also included the timetable for the switchover.
Mrs Hodge wrote of the advantages of moving from analogue television, saying: "Digital switchover will help the UK maintain its position as a world leader in broadcasting. It will also ensure today's current terrestrial broadcasting network is replaced by the best technology available, digital."
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