According to an announcemet relayed by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), New Zealand’s analogue television service is to be progressively withdrawn between September 2012 and late 2013, with the South Island leading the way.

The government announcment was made by Broadcasting Minister, Jonathan Coleman, who said the switch to digital, initially intended to be completed by 2015, would provide enhanced reception, better picture quality and more channels than what is available on analogue. There will be a substantial wider economic benefit generated by the use of freed up spectrum for new technology.’

The immediate impact on viewers – as with the move to digital broadcasting in all territories – is the need for a set-top box or a pay-TV subscription in order to watch free-to-air channels, as well as subscription services.
According to Coleman, 70 per cent of New Zealand households already watch digital TV, and the switch would be done progressively. ‘There will be a small group of New Zealanders who will need some financial assistance getting across the line and transitioning to digital and we will be announcing next year an assistance package,’ he said.

In line with other countries’ plans, the NZ Government will make the analogue frequencies to telco companies for broadband and mobile networks – the advanced deadline adding to the pressure on broadcasters and manufacturers to prepare for new allocations for wireless equipment such as microphones and monitors.