DTT migration in the Azores has already started

The migration of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in the Autonomous Region of the Azores Madeira starts today on 3 December 2020 and will end on 11 December. The process begins with the switchover of the Pico Alto transmitter, on the island of Santa Maria.

In this region, the transmitters of Pico Bartolomeu and Ribeira Grande on the island of São Miguel; of Santa Bárbara and Serra do Cume on the island of Terceira; and Velas on the island of São Jorge will also change frequency. The process should be completed on 11 December, with the switchover of the Castelete transmitter on the island of Pico and the Pico Jardim transmitter on the island of Graciosa.

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 open every day between 8 am and 9 pm¹ (local time), for people to phone in and clear up any doubts and get help for synchronising their television.

If they are unable to synchronise the equipment themselves or with the help provided through the free 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.