By Claire Reilly

Regional Queensland officially joined the digital era this week, as the Minister responsible for the roll out of digital television, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced the switch-off of old analogue television signals.

Senator Conroy appeared in Rockhampton, which is part of the regional Queensland switchover region, to officiate the proceedings.

“This is a great day for households across regional Queensland which will now enjoy the full suite of digital TV channels thanks to the Gillard Government’s Digital Switchover program,” said Senator Conroy.

“Today we switch off analogue and switch over to our digital future in regional Queensland. It is a future in which television choice is increased for all Australians, as we harness new developments in technology and make better use of our broadcast space.

“I thank the people of regional Queensland who have looked to this future and worked so enthusiastically with us to make it happen."

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Though the analogue signals have been permanently switched off, residents in regional Queensland will now have access to 16 channels through digital television – either through inbuilt receivers in their television sets, or through dedicated set-top boxes.

Now that parts of Queensland have made the switch, more than one million households across Australia will have access to digital TV.

“Regional Queensland is the fourth and largest region to switch to digital only TV,” Senator Conroy added.

“The Gillard Government’s investment in equalising TV services for regional and rural Australia includes the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service, which is available for those that cannot receive adequate terrestrial reception.”