The process of migration of the transmitters comprising the digital television network (DTT), broadcasting in the 700 MHz band, is drawing to a close. Of the 243 transmitters in question, 228 (around 94%) are operating in the new frequency, including the four whose switchover is scheduled for today: Alenquer, and Pico Bartolomeu, Ribeira Grande and Velas in the Azores.
The switchover of the Alenquer transmitter ends the process in Mainland Portugal.
In the Autonomous Region of the Azores, where there are eight transmitters, the process started on 3 December, with its completion being forecast for 11 December. In the Autonomous Region of Madeira, where 11 transmitters will be switched, the process will start on 9 December and end on 18 December, pursuant to the approved schedule. On that day, the 700 MHz band will become completely released all over the country, thus enabling its use for the 5G implementation, with the process for allocating rights of use of frequencies already being underway. According to the schedule, it is expected that these rights should be allocated in the 1st quarter of 2021, after which the networks can begin to be installed, both on the mainland and in the autonomous regions, with the operators being responsible for deciding where they will start to instal their networks.
The DTT migration process has run extremely smoothly. ANACOM has set up a free telephone helpline to support the population in this process, which has received close to 109 thousand calls up to date. In addition to clearing up doubts and synchronising the equipment through the free helpline 800 102 002, ANACOM has technical teams in the field providing home support to people who are unable to retune their television or DTT scrambler.
Up to the beginning of the present date, ANACOM had provided home support in 4665 situations.
Note: ANACOM will only go to the homes of people who called 800 102 002 and scheduled a visit during that phone call. If you have never called this number and someone knocks on your door saying they are from ANACOM and they are going to synchronise the equipment, take care, and do not open the door, because they will not be ANACOM technicians.
It should be noted that the DTT migration does not affect everyone. People will know that they have been covered by this process if their television shows no image (black screen). In this case, it will only be necessary to retune the television or DTT scrambler and everyone can continue to watch television free of charge, as has always been the case up to date. The process is simple. ANACOM took the care to ensure that there would be no need to replace or reposition aerials, change television or scramblers, and nobody will have to subscribe to paid television services. Condominiums/buildings that have facilities with mono-channel amplifiers might have to replace them.
In order to extend the range of entities that can help divulge information and provide support to people, ANACOM has established a number of partnerships. These include municipal councils, parish councils, the GNR and PSP police, the CNE (National Scouts Corps), the Social Security Institute, AMA (Citizen's Shops and Spaces) and other entities.
