Analogue TV is to be shut down across Sweden on 1 February 2008, when digital technology should be fully introduced. This was decided by the Swedish parliament although the Moderate Unity Party and the Liberal Party voted ‘no’.
Large parts of the proposal will be sent back to the government with a request to come back with more detailed proposals for the development of the broadcasting network, licensing, and related issues.
In other digital developments Berlin will be the first digital-only region of any European city when it ceases analogue television transmission in August this year.
In Spain, the national public service TV operator, TVE, will mirror the UK system by leading the development of digital terrestrial television following the collapse of commercial DVB-T operator Quiero TV in 2002.
New EU member Poland has outlined early options for DVB-T for the country. Total switch off in around 10 years or a switch-off in certain areas in 6-12 months are the options reported to be under consideration.