1. The Role of the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR )

The Department is responsible for managing the digital switchover programme. This involves coordinating with the key stakeholders and ensuring TV viewers are given the information and assistance to switch from the old TV network to a digital TV network or pay TV service, by the date of closure of the old TV network on 24th October 2012.

In order to coordinate the Digital Switchover Programme and in particular in providing information to the public in relation to digital switchover and the switch off of the old TV network the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) has established a Steering Group and a number of working groups as follows:




The Terms of Reference for the Digital Switch over Steering Group (DSG) and its working groups are available at the following link - Terms of Reference.

2. The Role of Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ)

The role of RTÉ in relation to digital television is set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.

RTÉ has been given the power to:

1. Build and operate its own national digital TV network to carry the public service Irish TV channels. RTÉ has called this network SAORVIEW;
2. Develop a minimum receiver specification to ensure that TV receivers work to receive SAORVIEW;
3. Operate up to two digital multiplexes on the network;
4.  Charge broadcasters for carriage on the multiplex;
5. And, subject to the availability of spare capacity  and the consent of the Minister, to offer space on the multiplex to commercial broadcasters.
   

In addition RTÉ is required:

1. To promote and provide information to the public about SAORVIEW and the availability of equipment capable of receiving the service;
2. To ensure that all analogue TV viewers are made aware of the analogue switch off date, the reasons for it, the consequences, and
3. To provide practical information on how to receive the Irish TV channels in digital format after that date. 

Under contract from RTÉ, RTÉNL was given the job of building the new national digital TV network to enable the existing national TV channels – RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TG4 and TV3 as well as new Irish channels to go digital. This new digital network, called SAORVIEW, launched nationally on 26th May 2011 to about 98% of the population. RTÉ is also planning to develop a satellite service to cover 100% of the country.

3. The Role of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)

ComReg is responsible for radio frequency planning to ensure that, interalia:

1. There is no interference to or from the primary TV networks in Ireland;
2. There is no interference to or from the primary TV networks between Ireland and the UK.
3. Deflector Services do not cause interference to other users.

The spectrum available for use by other telecommunications services, after analogue switch off, is optimised.

ComReg is responsible for radio frequency licensing including:

1. Licensing the TV frequency bands
2. Licensing national deflector services. These licences are due to expire at the end of 2012.
3. Ensuring the radio frequencies used by the national aerial TV network are re licensed to other users for use when this network is switched off.

4. The Role of The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI)

In relation to digital switchover, the BAI has several responsibilities:

1. To seek interest from entities for the provision of TV programme services on multiplexes and to report to the Minister in this regard.
2. To enter into contracts with commercial entities for the operation of commercial multiplexes.
3. To provide information to the public about the availability of digital TV multiplexes and TV equipment and to report to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in this regard.