by Janet Harris

Ireland is to step firmly in the digital era with plans announced to roll-out digital terrestrial television (DTT) by 31 December 2012, when the analogue signal will be switched off.

Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan today revealed a €70 million investment to bring DTT to everyone in Ireland.

A new terrestrial network will serve 98% of the population and a satellite service will ensure that the remaining two per cent don’t miss out either.

The plans mean that everyone in Ireland will be able to watch between seven and nine TV channels including RTÉ, TV3 and TG4, national radio channels, on screen programme information and a new digital teletext service.

Of course, DTT will only be available to viewers with the right equipment, which means that some will have to buy a new set-top box.

The spectrum that is freed up by the switchover will be available for broadband and mobile services.

Story link: Digital TV roll-out announced for Ireland