In order to better use the scarce resources of spectrum for the transmission of data over the air, the EU countries are recommended to shut of all analogue transmissions by 2012 at the latest. In a binding treaty the Geneva 2006 Agreement established a frequency plan for Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. The agreement established 2015 as the latest date for the analogue shut down. Europe and parts of Asia has committed to use the DVB standard for digital transmission in terrestrial networks. DVB-T is to be used for video transmission to TV sets and DVB-H is to be used for TV transmission to handheld devices. In Europe, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and a few other countries are well under way in deploying these techniques.

 

Outside of Europe the United States has adopted the ASTC transmission standard, and are planning for the analogue shut down in February 2009.

Although certain countries are on their way toward the shutdown of analogue TV signals, the majority of all countries worldwide still have a large part of their population depending on analogue transmission for TV. This substantial number of consumers will have to choose a digital TV provider during the years leading up to the analogue shut down. This transition creates a great opportunity for consumers to enhance their selection of content and services related to TV as well as for companies offering new and innovative TV solutions.