Finland’s ministry of transport and communications has confirmed the country’s cable networks will be required to switch off their analogue signals by the end of February. The number of digital receivers in the market has increased significantly since terrestrial broadcasts moved to digital only transmissions last August. The deadline was extended after it became apparent cablenets were unable to meet the original timetable.
According to the latest Finnpanel surveys, 89% of all Finnish households currently have a digital set-top box or integrated digital television. 78% of cable TV households currently have access to digital broadcasts.
The Ministry of Transport, the Association of Lions Clubs and the Helsinki Mission will be co-ordinating help for the vulnerable with particular attention to elderly people living alone.
Cable TV operators will also be providing a customer helpline.