§ 15. Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plan he has to ensure that digital television will be available to the most remote communities in Britain. [62142]
§ Janet AndersonDigital terrestrial television services began on 15 November and will reach 90 per cent. of the UK population by the end of next year. Digital satellite services currently reach much of the UK and digital cable services are likely to begin next year. Extending digital services beyond the terrestrial launch phase to other parts of the UK, including remote communities, was one of the issues raised in our consultation paper 'Television: the Digital Future'. The responses to that paper are currently being evaluated. Once that process is complete the Government will be in a position to consider with the broadcasters the next steps towards extending digital services across the UK.