WEIR SLAMS OFCOM FOR COMMENTS ON COST OF DIGITAL

RURAL ANGUS WILL BE PENALISED IN SWITCHOVER

Angus MP Mike Weir has clashed with Stephen Carter, Chief Executive of Ofcom , over the costs of digital television for those living in rural Angus.

The Chief Executive was appearing before a joint meeting of the Trade and Industry Select Committee and the Culture Media and Sport Committee during which Mr Weir raised concerns about the availability of the digital signal prior to the proposed switch off of existing analogue signal.

Commenting on the matter Mr Weir said

“At present only 43% of people in Angus can receive the terrestrial digital television signal. Ofcom say this will increase as the turn off point nears but clearly a large number of people will not be able to receive the terrestrial signal and will need to invest in a satellite system.”

Mr Weir clashed with Mr. Carter  when he suggested that the costs of getting the signal through satellite was on a par with getting the terrestrial signal through a set top box. Mr Weir challenged Mr Carter to come to Angus and sell satellite systems at the same price as set top boxes.

“This is complete nonsense. A set top box can be purchased for around £25, yet a satellite system will set you back around four times that and you will still have to pay for installation. It is astonishing that Ofcom do not appear to realise the substantial cost that the switchover will be to many in rural Angus.”

“Everyone in Angus has to pay a television licence, and will soon not even be able to do so that their local post office, and it is utterly ridiculous that they should also have to additionally  pay through the nose to receive a digital signal, especially since there will soon be no choice.”

“If the government proceed with the switch off of the traditional analogue system they must ensure that those in rural Scotland can access the digital signal at the same cost as those in urban areas.”