October 17 has been named as the date when digital switchover will begin in earnest for 25,000 viewers in the Cumbrian town of Whitehaven.
BBC Two’s analogue signal will be switched off first with the remaining channels moving to digital only reception on November 14.
On screen messages will appear on the analogue channels in the Whitehaven area in early May, advising viewers as to what is about to happen.
Once BBC Two is switched off it will be immediately replaced by ITV, allowing the commercial broadcaster’s analogue frequency to be used for the first of the public service multiplexes comprising BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC News 24 and CBBC.
Help with the installation of equipment will be provided to the over 75s by the switchover body Digital UK, while the charity Age Concern will provide practical assistance to pensioners under the age of 75.
Although one of the first countries to commence DTT transmissions, the UK will also be one of the last to complete the process, currently scheduled for 2012.
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