The process of migration to DTT in Portugal takes another step on 13 February when the analogue transmitter at Reguengo de Fetal will be switched off, along with the relays attached to it. Until the migration process concludes nationally on 26 April, there is still a lot of important work to be done to make sure that the process proceeds smoothly and with minimum disruption, so that no one is left temporarily unable to watch television. The support and involvement of all sections of the population is key to accomplishing this objective.
In this respect, ANACOM has identified a set of partners who can make an important contribution to the success of the process: local authorities, private social solidarity institutions, churches, television companies, Confederação Portuguesa dos Meios de Comunicação Social (Portuguese Media Confederation), Instituto da Segurança Social (Social Security Institute), Direcção Geral do Consumidor (General Directorate of the Consumer), as well as consumer associations. These are organisations which, given their characteristics and, in some cases, their proximity to the population and trusted status, have a key role supporting local populations through the transition.
The success of this process depends on all of us acting in good time to prepare for the migration and helping others prepare, sharing information and explaining what the process involves and what needs to be done. In many cases, local authorities and organizations which work closely with local populations have been helping people in a number of ways, including through the provision of information, answering queries, identifying cheap and simple technical solutions or preparing social housing stock for the arrival of DTT.
It is essential that this work continues. Even though the process has been going well so far - given the limited number of people reported as left without access to television following the switch-off. It is important that people continue to receive support, so that they can resolve the situation as quickly as possible, keeping in mind that access to the 4 free-to-air channels remains free for 100% of the Portuguese population.
To date, the switch-off, involving the transmitters of Palmela, Fóia and Monsanto, together with the large number of relays associated with these transmitters, has affected 3.5 million people. Over this period the DTT helpline has receive 1400 calls from people who were not ready for the transition in time - this represents less than 1% of the estimated 250 thousand families who have had to make the transition.
The transmitter at Reguengo do Fetal, which will be disconnected on 13 February, provides television signals to 1.3 million people, making up half a million families.
A set of relays will also be switched off: Vale de Santarém, Sobral da Lagoa, Mira de Aire, Candeeiros, Alcaria, Tomar, Ourém, Caranguejeira, Leiria, Alvaiázere, Avelar, Pombal, Castanheira de Pera, Espinhal, Senhora do Circo, Padrão, Ceira dos Vales, Vale de Açôr, Vila Nova de Ceira, Ceira, Coimbra, Caneiro, Cidreira, Lorvão, Penacova, Mortágua, Avô and Benfeita.
Even though some people who have their aerials pointed towards the transmitter at Lousã and Montejunto wil still be able to receive the old analogue signal, ANACOM recommends that everyone take steps now to switch over to receiving digital signals, avoiding any last minute problems which could lead to people being left with no television.
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- DTT - ANACOM adjusts timetable for the 1st stage of the switch-off plan https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1113218
