Mexico to turn off analog signal in more cities, including Guadalajara

Mexico's telecom watchdog IFT gave the order to turn off the analog signal in 23 more cities on December 16, including the country's second largest, Guadalajara in Jalisco state.

Others among the 23 are Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, in Coahuila state, which are significant since the analog signal in both is occupying part of the 700MHz band, which the watchdog and ministry are planning to free up and auction off next year.

The transport and communications ministry (SCT) announced that, as established by law, 90% penetration of digital TV sets and decoders had been achieved in Guadalajara, Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, and 19 other town and cities: Isla de Cedros (Baja California); Atotonilco el Alto, Autlán de Navarro, La Barca, Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco); Ciudad Hidalgo, Los Reyes Salgado, Morelia, Puruándiro, Zamora, Zinepécuaro, Zitácuaro, Apatzigán, Pátzcuaro, Urupán (Michoacán); San Fernando (Tamaulipas); Monclova, Nueva Rosita, Sabinas (Coahuila); and Cananea (Sonora).

The only city left using part of the 700MHz band for broadcasting is Ensenada, in Baja California. IFT has not included this city in upcoming analog blackouts.

Despite numerous delays and controversy regarding the digital TV switchover, SCT said recently that the process is going according to plan and the December 31 deadline for the nationwide analog blackout will be met.