Why are over-the-air broadcasters required to switch to digital signals?

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An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue services). Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband). Consumers also benefit because digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog. Analog service is the standard, original method of transmitting TV signals. Analog TVs don’t have the digital tuners necessary to receive digital programming.

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