Analog TV signs off in Singapore in 2017

Mar 24, 2016Updated May 25, 20251 min read

Analog television broadcasts in Singapore will stop by the end of 2017, according to the Ministry of Communications and Information.

Public broadcaster Mediacorp converted all seven of its free-to-air (FTA) TV channels to the digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) format in December 2013, but continues to broadcast in analog. This will end next year.

Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said that the freed-up spectrum will provide more capacity for mobile broadband and better support Singpaore’s Smart Nation development.

Analog broadcasting in Singapore could be turned off before 2020. Viewers who want to continue watching FTA television channels after digital migration will need to buy either a new TV set with a built-in digital tuner or connect a digital set-top box (STB) and an indoor antenna to their existing TV sets.

A label issued by the Media Development Authority (MDA) indicates whether the TV set or STB is compliant with Singapore’s digital format.

The MDA also offers free digital STBs to low-income households, and says it has installed digital TV receivers to almost half of the 77,000 homes that automatically qualified for assistance.

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Mei Ling Tan

Contributor · RetailNews.asia

Mei Ling Tan is the Editor of Retail News Asia, where she leads the editorial team in delivering in-depth coverage of Asia’s dynamic retail landscape. With over a decade of experience in business journalism, Mei Ling is known for her sharp analysis, deep industry insights, and commitment to uncovering the stories behind Asia’s most innovative retail brands. Before joining Retail News Asia, Mei Ling held senior reporting roles at regional business publications, covering everything from consumer trends to digital transformation in retail. A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a degree in Communications and New Media, she combines journalistic integrity with a strong understanding of evolving market forces. Outside the newsroom, Mei Ling is a frequent speaker at industry panels and a mentor for young journalists.

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