2012 date for analogue switch-off dropped

Termination of free-to-air analogue television is off the government's timetable. Previously there had been a tentative target of a close-down before 2012. 'We are not yet in a position to determine when the best timing is for the analogue switch-off,' said Greg So Kam-leung, undersecretary for commerce and economic development. He said the government had to ensure 'a smooth migration' from analogue to digital terrestrial television. Digital television broadcasting reaches 89 per cent of the population, the government says, from 20 stations. The administration has pledged that digital coverage will exceed 98 per cent, the reach of analogue, but has not given a date.