MUMBAI: The analogue TV signal in Northern Ireland has been switched off, completing the UK‘s transition to digital broadcasting.

It was the last UK region to switch off its signal, bringing an end to the 80-year-old analogue transmission technology.

The process took five years. Ofcom welcomed the successful completion of the UK’s switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial television.

This has ensured that all UK households now have access to digital television channels and has also paved the way for the next generation of mobile broadband.

The switchover to digital has freed up much needed capacity that will be used to deliver the fourth generation (4G) of mobile services. At the end of this year Ofcom will start the process of auctioning the Digital Dividend, the airwaves previously occupied by analogue television.

Ofcom CEO Ed Richards said, "The UK’s switchover to digital has been a huge success. Not only has is created more TV choice for consumers, it has also freed up vital capacity that will be used to deliver mobile broadband services to 98% of cities, towns and villages across the UK. Now that switchover is complete, Ofcom is looking forward to delivering the 4G auction as the next step in delivering new higher speed mobile broadband services."