The Italian government has approved the timetable for digital terrestrial switchover. The process has already started on the island of Sardinia and the Aoste Valley. Complete analogue switch-off on the island is expected to happen in November, and in Aoste before the end of the year
In Sardinia, all broadcasters are expected to cease analogue transmissions in the period between October 15 and October 31, after which date there should be only digital broadcasts. At the moment, about 90% of all homes have a digital receiver.
Next year, four regions Lazio (the region of Rome), Campania, Trentino Alto Adige and Piemonte will follow. The switchover process will take place in phases across 16 regions between 2009 and 2012. The process will end 2012 in the region of Sicily and Calabria.
