Digital switch-on a turn-off for some
29 June 2009
Age Concern and Help the Aged in Scotland welcomes the report by Consumer Focus Scotland (CFS) warning that more needs to be done to mitigate the potential digital divide that is being created by the digital switchover.
Lindsay Scott, Age Concern and Help the Aged in Scotland's Communications Manager, said: "This hard-hitting report shows that the promised digital dividend is far from equitable and we have in fact a two-tier service based on where one lives."
As the switchover gets underway in Dumfries and Galloway and preparations begin for the north of Scotland switch next year, the report says that although the technical switch in the Borders was largely a smooth one, the fact that 47 per cent of homes served by relay transmitters only get half of the available channels is regarded by many Borderers as discriminating against them for living in more rural places.
CFS says switchover managers Digital UK are in danger of missing some key lessons from the experience in the ITV Border region. The organisation is also calling on the UK Government to make sure that the "digital dividend" of selling freed-up spectrum space is reinvested to make sure that rural areas get the same TV services as everyone else.
The report recommends that Digital UK should:
- Provide more information, including "how to" guides, in more formats and with less reliance on its website - and to say from the start which areas are going to get less channels than others;
- Measure understanding as well as awareness and start outreach work sooner;
- Work with local business and support organisations to encourage trusted local retailers to become accredited equipment and advice providers;
- Avoid assuming that the experience in the Borders allows a one size fits all approach for the rest of Scotland; and
that the UK Government should:
- Work with its Help Scheme provider to start the scheme sooner and increase eligibility for it;
- Use the proceeds of auctioning digital spectrum to reinvest in rural broadband;
- Set up a Consumer Expert Group specifically for Scotland to recognise specific needs that may not be addressed by a single UK body;
- Work closely and transparently with the Scottish Government to ensure that switchover brings social and economic dividends to consumers in Scotland.