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Digital switch over marks new era

Wednesday, October 24 14:24:54

Today's switchover to digital TV marks a new era of competitiveness and an important digital dividend, according to Pat Rabbitte, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

He said that the switch from analogue "heralds the dawn of the digital broadcasting era for this Country and the release of an important digital dividend which will boost competitiveness."

"This is an historic event, a new and exciting advance for broadcasting in Ireland. Public service broadcasting remains vital to the social, political and cultural life of the nation. What we are doing here today ensures people will continue to have access to free to air television, providing a full range of services, with a strong national voice."

Regarding the digital dividend, Minister Rabbitte noted that the closure of the analogue TV network frees up "space for mobile broadband services. This digital dividend presents real opportunities for new broadcasting and telecommunications services to our people."

Speaking about the public information campaign he added that "Great care has been taken over the past 18 months to deliver switchover as successfully as possible. I want to thank all concerned who have worked on the project. In particular I want to thank the many volunteers up and down the country who selflessly gave of their time in the Community Outreach Programme. They have helped tens of thousands of people who otherwise may have found it difficult to upgrade to Digital TV."