Ofcom said that the UK’s digital switchover has been completed, which will mark the commencement of 4G era and enable access to a wide range of digital television channels.
Northern Ireland was the final UK region to complete the digital transformation from analogue broadcasting.
According to Ofcom, the procedure, which concluded seven decades of analogue broadcasting, has cleared the 800MHz wireless spectrum, which will now be used to deliver the 4G mobile services.
Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said the UK’s transition to digital has been a huge success.
"Not only has is created more TV choice for consumers, it has also freed up vital capacity that will be used to deliver mobile broadband services to 98% of cities, towns and villages across the UK," Richards said. "Now that switchover is complete, Ofcom is looking forward to delivering the 4G auction as the next step in delivering new higher speed mobile broadband services."
During late 2012, Ofcom is scheduled to commence auctioning off the 800MHz spectrum, allowing mobile networks such as O2, Three and Vodafone’s to launch 4G services in 2013.
Everything Everywhere is all set to launch UK’s first 4G mobile service in October 2012, while its rival carriers are required to hold on until the auction.
Content from our partners
