Moore and Purvis Angry at Digital Switchover Failures (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Moore and Purvis Angry at Digital Switchover Failures

June 24, 2009 11:48 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Parliamentarians Michael Moore MP and Jeremy Purvis MP have expressed their anger over the findings of a recent report from consumer rights organisation Consumer Focus Scotland that confirmed many people in the Borders were unaware that they would not receive the full range of digital channels when the digital switchover process began in November 2008.

Consumer Focus found that many of the people offered the 'Freeview Lite' package did not know that they would receive a limited service after the analogue signal was switched off. Around half of the homes in the Borders - all those not served by the main regional transmitter at Selkirk - can only receive 20 of the 40 available digital channels.

Speaking last week in the House of Commons after the Government's statement on the future of digital technology in the UK, Mr Moore pressed Ben Bradshaw MP, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for his assurance that the action would be taken to help those who were not able to access the full range of channels via their Freeview boxes.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

'The Government ducked the issue of 'Freeview Lite' ahead of switchover but can no longer do so. It is not surprising that there is anger about this since it was the Government's plan that they would not communicate the reality of what this change would mean for people living in those parts of the Borders served by relay transmitters.

'This report provides vindication for all of us who expressed their concerns over 'Freeview Lite' when the details of the scheme were first announced.

'The Government must ensure that funds are made available to end the two-tier approach that has condemned half of the Borders to a second class television service'.

Mr Purvis added:

'During and since the digital switchover in the Borders it has become apparent that many consumers whose analogue signal was strong are now unable to receive any digital signal at all. Additionally, nearly half of residents in the Borders have experienced a 50% reduction in the channels they receive. This is unacceptable - the benefits are not evenly spread, leading to a situation in which rural residents are at a clear disadvantage.

'Additionally, while most people were aware of the switchover, many lacked an understanding of the changes and steps necessary to be fully prepared. All of this together shows that there is still follow-through action needed in the Borders and that the problems experienced should be carefully examined in order to be avoided in future regional switchovers'.