Digital TV boost for rural Australia

The Australian Federal Government has announced measures which will give all Australians access to every free-to-air digital television channel.

The Government says it will pay for and build a digital satellite broadcast service for regional viewers. It has also reached an agreement with broadcasters to upgrade more than 100 regional analogue facilities.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the Government has allocated $40 million a year over four years to the project.

“This is a fantastic outcome for people in regional Australia, many of whom are in blackspot areas and have received limited television services for many years,” he said. “For the first time all free-to-air television services will be available to all Australians.”

The measures will mean every Australian will be able to watch the 16 available channels.

Source: Media Network, ABC News