BORDERS MSP CALLS ON UK GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE TELEVISION PARITY

BORDERS MSP CALLS ON UK GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE TELEVISION PARITY

HALF OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS SEE REDUCED SERVICE AFTER DIGITAL SWITCHOVER

A report released today (Monday) Consumer Focus Scotland has found that nearly half of all homes in the Borders served by relay transmitters only receive 20 of the 40 available channels. The Borders was the first region in the UK to have television signal switched from analogue to digital.

Commenting, SNP MSP for the South of Scotland, Christine Grahame said:

“It is deeply disappointing that an initiative which should have improved service has actually worsened it.

“The Borders was a pilot area for the digital switchover and I hope the lessons learned here will benefit viewers across Scotland however the problems identified in this report must not be glossed over.

“The UK Government must take immediate action to upgrade the relay transmitters, eliminate reception black spots and ensure parity of coverage for rural areas.

“Reassessment of the criteria for financial assistance is also urgently needed. At present, the scheme is very limited and I have met with many constituents – including those on low incomes and pensioners under 75 – who struggled to afford the modifications necessary to receive digital television.”