The Maine Public Broadcasting Network is getting a jump on the digital transition. The network plans to power down its five analog transmitters Jan. 11, according to published reports.

A network spokesman said the reason for the early switch is that the national deadline of Feb. 17 occurs just one day before the state’s high school basketball tourney begins. Roundball is big TV for MPBN.

The state joins Hawaii in powering down early. The island state is also transitioning in January to avert disturbing the nesting area of native petrels living near analog towers.