Lima, Sept. 17 (ANDINA) - The Minister of Transport and Communications, Enrique Cornejo, estimated that the analog television switch-off will occur after 2020, as the necessary technology for the digital signal to reach the entire national territory is being implemented gradually.
He added that by next year the use of the digital signal will be effective in the main cities of the country.
“The analog switch-off will not occur before 2020 because it is a long process. The expectation is that by 2015, digital television will be available in the eight main cities of the country, and that would mean almost 54 percent of the market fully incorporated into digital television,” he said.
He added that a commission in charge of implementing digital television in Peru indicated that the switch-off would take place after 2020.
He stressed that this process will take time since the investments to implement the Japanese-Brazilian technology, which Peru has adopted along with other South American countries, are only now arriving.
The Minister of Transport mentioned that each television channel will have to make investments of between 15 and 20 million dollars to implement this signal, which will bring various benefits in accordance with modern times.
Cornejo reported that a television company in the country would be implementing the digital signal for the broadcast of the South Africa 2010 World Cup.
“One channel is already starting the signal for the World Cup, another will be doing so with the Volleyball World Cup, Channel 7 for example will do it in March so that the tests begin next year,” he indicated.
These statements were made after closing the first international meeting “Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Tourism.
During his closing speech, the minister highlighted the importance of using information technologies to achieve greater social inclusion in the country.
He also emphasized the important role of tourism as a powerful tool for inclusion and economic development.