EC Wants Faster Digital TV Switchover, Resolution To Telco Roadblock

European media commissioner Viviane Reding has set out her vision for a “Digital Europe”, with four key points including a plea to resolve the legislative impasse caused by opposition to “three strikes” plans…

Digital dividend must be quicker: “The United States as a whole switched to digital TV last month. I call therefore on all EU governments: Don’t wait until 2012, the EU-wide deadline for the final digital switch-off, to bring these benefits to you businesses and citizens. Act swiftly now.”

UK switchover began in late 2008 and is due to complete in late 2012. Reding will on Friday publish measures to accelerate the switchover.

“The present economic crisis requires us to accelerate the ongoing switchover from analogue to digital TV in Europe.” Reding reckons spectrum auctioned for wireless broadband could reap