Source: Calgary Herald

CBC/Radio-Canada unveiled its plan Friday to switch over to digital transmission from the analogue service it currently provides.

The national broadcaster will be installing digital transmitters in all the markets in which it produces original TV programming, for a total of 27 transmitters. Fifteen of the 27 transmitters will be operational by August 2011, with the remaining 12 to be operational by or before August 2012. The locations of these transmitters are now available on CBC/ Radio-Canada's website.

CBC/Radio-Canada will continue to offer analogue service beyond Aug. 31, 2011, the shut-off date established by government in all markets not identified by the CRTC as mandatory for digital transmission. It has also filed a request to the CRTC to allow a temporary extension of analogue service in those markets not slated for transition until after the August 2011 deadline under the broadcaster's plan.

"We believe that our plan is appropriate, given our fi-nancial challenges, given our mandate, and given industry trends," said Steven Guiton, vice-president and chief regulatory officer. "When all is said and done, our estimate is that less than one per cent of Canadians will need to turn to a cable or satellite provider in order to continue receiving our signal."

The Broadcasting Act mandates that CBC/Radio-Canada's services "be made available throughout Canada by the most appropriate and efficient means, as resources become available for the purpose."

© Calgary Herald