Transition from analogue to digital television

In the spring of 1997 the Riksdag decided to introduce digital terrestrial television in Sweden. Transmissions started in 1999. In 2003 the Riksdag decided that analogue television transmissions would be phased out gradually and that the transition would be completed by the end of January 2008 at the latest.

Transmission networks for digital terrestrial television

At present there are five transmission networks for digital terrestrial television. When the transition to digital television has been completed, it will be possible for at least 99.8 per cent of the permanently resident population to receive digital terrestrial transmissions from SVT and SR. Three further transmission networks reach approximately 98 per cent of the population, while a fifth network reaches approximately 70 per cent of the population.

Broadcasting licences and free television channels

The Government has granted broadcasting licences for some 40 television channels in the digital terrestrial network. There are ten national and six regional free television channels that can be received without having a programme card and subscription. The other channels are pay television channels.

Analogue television transmissions

Analogue television transmissions have been phased out in areas covering approximately 25 per cent of the population. Analogue transmissions in the rest of the country will be phased out during autumn 2006 and spring and autumn 2007. A special commission, the Digital TV Commission, has been appointed by the Government to prepare the transition and to plan and coordinate information to the general public about the changeover.