Two goals are driving analogue signal cut-off to make way for digital transmission alone. The most important is to take advantage of digital signal compression technologies to release spectrum resources and optimise spectrum use. Each nation will make the decision to reallocate released frequencies but, already, audiovisual and telecom players are positioning themselves to gain a share in this digital dividend. The second essential objective is migration to digital: improve audiovisual equipment for all households so they can benefit from a more enriched, diversified and extensive television experience.

This study first of all presents an overview and perspective on the various switch-off methods in Europe, the United States and Japan. It then highlights the cutover's major issues. Finally, it analyses the magnitude of repercussions on changes in the audiovisual sector, especially in terms of frequency management and new service launches, far beyond just the cut-off phase.

Analogue Switch-off in brief
- International overview for switch-off methods
- General framework and national approaches
- Attendant measures and public policies
- Issues with moving to digital
- Digital dividend use
Countries
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- United States

Key Questions
- What are the various types of national switch-off approaches?
- What are the major issues for cutting over to all digital?
- What will the network landscape look like the day after switch-off?
- Where will the consumer be when switch-off happens?
- How will the digital dividend be managed?
- Who will be the switch-off winners and losers?
Who should read this report?

Telecom Operators
- Analyse the telecom operators' role in DTT development
- Identify digital dividend operational potential for telecom services

Media groups
- Get a general overview of switch-off methods
- Understand the implications of switch-off on the audiovisual ecosystem

Regulators
- Identify the issues on digital dividend utilisation
- Understand the characteristics of national market in digital spectrum reallocation

Investors and analysts
- Evaluate the DTT development outlook
- Analyse new audiovisual services