DTT migration in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area started on 16 November

On 16 November 2020, the digital terrestrial television (DTT) migration process started in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) with the switchover of the Palmela transmitter. In this region, in addition to the Palmela transmitter, the transmitters of Graça, Cacém, Barcarena, Algueirão, Bezerra, Aldeia de Juso, Azóia, Cascais, Sintra, Estoril, Odivelas, Póvoa de Santo Adrião, Torres Vedras and Alenquer will also change frequency. The process should be completed on 7 December.

It should be recalled that the DTT migration process was suspended on 13 March due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the transmitters of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area were being switched. When the process resumed in August, the transmitters serving the Lisbon Metropolitan Area were rescheduled to mid-November.

The DTT migration does not affect everyone. In order to inform the population that is affected at this stage, ANACOM disclosed information about the changes to DTT through a letter and leaflet delivered to all homes, summarising the relevant information for people to be able to adapt to this process of change.

When the transmitter changes frequency, the television screen will go black (no image), but all that has to be done is to synchronise the television or DTT scrambler to be able to continue watching free television, as has been the case up to now. The process is simple. ANACOM took the care to ensure that there would be no need to replace or reposition aerials, change television or scramblers, and nobody will have to subscribe to paid television services. Condominiums/buildings that have facilities with mono-channel amplifiers might have to replace them.

To assist in this process, ANACOM has set up a free telephone helpline (800 102 002), which is in operation every day between 9 am and 10 pm, for people to phone in and clear up any doubts they may have and get help for synchronising their television.

If they are unable to synchronise the equipment themselves or with the help provided through the helpline, 800 102 002, ANACOM will schedule a visit to their home by its technical staff in order to synchronise it, free of charge.

In order to publicise this process, which seeks to release the 700 MHz band, required for the 5G implementation, ANACOM has held meetings all over the country with the Intermunicipal Communities (CIM), so as to inform the municipal councils of the measures it has taken to support the population undergoing the migration.

Note: ANACOM will only go to the homes of people who called 800 102 002 and scheduled a visit during that phone call. If you have never called this number and someone knocks on your door saying they are from ANACOM and they are going to synchronise the equipment, take care, and do not open the door, because they will not be ANACOM technicians.

With the aim of extending the range of entities that can help divulge information and provide support to people, ANACOM has established a number of partnerships. These include municipal councils, parish councils, the GNR and PSP police, the League of Portuguese Firefighters, the Social Security Institute, AMA (Citizen's Shops and Spaces), parishes, the National Scouts Corps, and other entities.