Why was digital TV introduced?

Digital TV was introduced into New Zealand in 2007 as part of a New Zealand Government initiative.

The rest of the world is switching to digital TV or have already done so.

Digital TV transmission is more efficient than analogue TV transmission, and can transmit more programming data packets (the bits that make up what you see and hear on TV) using less spectrum bandwidth. This means you get better pictures and sound, more channels and by using a UHF aerial, you can also access high definition programming.

It also means the New Zealand Government can allocate the remaining spectrum to telecommunications providers to help improve and strength the delivery of telecommunications services, 4G for example, to all New Zealanders.