Digital Blackout

There is increasing concern amongst a number of communities including the Yankalilla Council area and Gumeracha area about the impending switch-off of the analogue television signal in 2013.

Existing analogue towers need to be upgraded for the digital rollout. I have written to Senator Conroy, the Minister for Communications to make him aware of the situation and asked him to provide assurances that no residents will be left without digital television reception when the switch-over takes place.

The foundations for the introduction of digital television were laid out by the Coalition and the benefits of digital are many. It will provide enhanced picture and sound quality as well as more free to air content.

Providing communities with certainty will help ensure the switch-over is successful. The Government knows that the Yankalilla and Gumeracha areas are black spots, they can and should ensure it is fixed now.