Government moves to speed digital TV uptake. Why not broadband also?

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 23 November 2006 15:35

Opinion and Analysis

Oh dear the Australian Government's free market, pro-competition ideology just isn't working. When it comes to digital television we are just not playing by the rules and embracing this new technology with sufficient zeal.

There are lots of consumer benefits to digital TV, there's competition between a handful of more or less evenly matched players in the delivery of content and services and very healthy competition in the supply of devices on which to consume this content.

But the Australian public just is not biting fast enough. The government has been forced to abandon its initial timetable to switch off analogue services in metro areas in 2008 and regional areas in 2011 and is now looking at2011- 2012 for all areas. By this time it fervently hopes that no Australian will be living with an analogy TV. But it is still not content to sit back and let market forces do the job.

Today communications minister Helen Coonan launched a Digital Action Plan "to help guide Australia's transition to digital television." It's available here.

The Government will establish Digital Australia—a dedicated digital switchover body within the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts to coordinate and oversee Australia's transition to digital. Digital Australia will be set up as soon as practicable and be located in Sydney in close proximity to industry and ACMA.

Digital Australia will provide a clear focal point for all Australians wanting to know more about digital switchover: when it is occurring and how it is being managed. Digital Australia's objectives are to:
- educate Australians on the benefits of digital television in order to accelerate take-up and inform consumers about the need to convert to digital transmission as switchover approaches;
- identify sections of the community which may have special needs and co-ordinate efforts to meet those needs;
- harness the expertise and co-ordinate the diverse interests of industry in the switchover process (broadcasters, receiver importers, antenna installers and retailers will all be called upon to participate); and
- work closely with Government and the regulator (ACMA) to ensure Australia is able to commence switchover in 2010–12.