Friday 22 August 2008
Digital switchover on track despite closures ACMA
Natalie Apostolou
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has slammed reports that the digital television switchover will be affected by the closure of regional operational centres.
ACMA confirmed that it is carrying out a program of signal strength measurement designed to support the switchover to digital television, which has received $8.5 million in funding over four years.
Countering media reports, ACMA said the program is not dependent upon the existence of regional operational centres and has made no change to its plans as a result of the closure of its operations centres.
ACMA claims that he closure of the operations centres is part of a move to a new service delivery model which has been on-going for some time.
Australian offices remain open in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth.
“ACMA remains confident that it can fulfil the role necessary to meet the Commonwealth Government¹s announced date of 2013 for the switchover to digital television broadcasting,” said ACMA chairman Chris Chapman.
“Claims that the first round of tests, conducted using an antenna at 2.5 metres above the ground, has been compromised are incorrect,” he added.
The field strength testing program includes exploratory measurements, often taken at 2.5 metres, and planning grade measurements, the exploratory grade measurements complement the planning grade measurements taken at 10 metres, he added Together, these two measurements will allow ACMA to build up a comprehensive picture of digital television coverage in any given area.
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